How thousands of pedestrians can stay safe in Center City’s busy traffic zones every day.
Pedestrian deaths increased by 20% early in 2020, even though traffic rates decreased by more than 16% for the same timeframe. From January through June of 2020, PA saw 63 pedestrian fatalities. Fortunately, Pennsylvania has already seen improvements in pedestrian safety since the onset of the pandemic, but in an effort to continue that trend, we have put together some tips on what you can do to ensure your safety as a pedestrian here in Center City.
If you’re traveling via foot, bicycle, or even a skateboard, you are considered a pedestrian. Most injuries, both fatal and non-fatal, involve head trauma, followed by chest and abdominal injuries. Broken bones, contusions, bruises, and other injuries are also common in pedestrian accidents. Drivers can be behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, bus, truck, or commercial vehicle.
Most Pedestrian Injuries and Accident Deaths Are a Result of a Driver:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failing to see or look for pedestrians at crosswalks
- Failing to yield when making turns
- Talking on a phone or texting
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
In an effort to raise awareness and improve pedestrian safety conditions in Philadelphia, we hired an outside firm to compile public data on pedestrian injuries and fatalities in Philadelphia. Included in the study was a poll of local residents, which revealed that 41% of people thought that construction and blocked sidewalks were the biggest obstacles facing Philadelphia walkers. The constant city construction work often forces pedestrians and bicyclists out into traffic and closer to danger. Ongoing construction projects, insufficient parking options, and inclement weather can further the risk for pedestrians in our great city. Cracked sidewalks, construction, and distracted drivers currently rank highest among frustrations for pedestrians in and near Center City. Fortunately, despite the various dangers for pedestrians, it has been well documented that Philadelphia is a very walkable city. It checks in at fifth in the United States on the most recent Walk Score list and has a current Walk Score of 74.8.
5 Tips For Ensuring You Stay Safe While Traveling Center City as a Pedestrian
In an effort to help prevent future pedestrian accidents, we’ve put together some tips for pedestrians to avoid being injured in an accident with a vehicle.
Stay Visible – Three out of every four pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark. Wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing, crossing streets in well-lit areas, and being easily visible to oncoming vehicles will help ensure your safety, especially at night.
Stay on the Sidewalk – This seems obvious, but pedestrians will often step off of the sidewalk to cross mid-block or to get around an obstacle. If you’re in an area with active construction, use pedestrian walkways or take an alternate route.
Avoid Walking Under The Influence – While we often hear about the dangers of driving under the influence, nearly 2,000 pedestrians killed in 2019 had blood alcohol limits above .08%, which is the legal limit for driving under the influence here in PA. Like driving, walking while intoxicated can reduce reaction time, impair judgment, and be attributed to risky behavior, such as crossing an intersection at a bad time.
Follow the Rules of the Road – A whopping 74% of pedestrian fatalities occurred outside of regular intersections. The simple act of crossing within a crosswalk during an active walk signal, observing laws, and obeying signs and signals improves pedestrian safety substantially.
Stay Alert – Eyes up and off of mobile devices, look both ways, and stay on the sidewalk until you can safely cross a road. Being aware of your surroundings and keeping your nose out of your mobile device will give you more time to react in a dangerous situation.
Injured as a Pedestrian in Center City Philly? Here’s What To Do
If you are ever in an accident with a vehicle as a pedestrian, be sure to seek medical attention immediately, and then contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer to help determine if you’re owed compensation while you recover. If someone you love is killed in a pedestrian accident, your attorney can help you file a wrongful death claim, and keep your case in order while you focus on healing from the loss of your loved one.
Contact the Expert Philadelphia Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at The Pearce Law Firm
A highly sought-after and nationally recognized trial lawyer, Edith Pearce is the founder of The Pearce Law Firm, P.C. The Pearce Law Firm is able to offer our clients the personal attention and individualized representation needed to achieve the highest results possible, and Edith Pearce is personally involved in every case the firm handles.
The Pearce Law Firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and obtaining full and fair compensation for you.
Call (215) 600-2437 or Email Us.
No Recovery / No Fee / Contingent Fee Cases Accepted
If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area and is in need of a pedestrian accident lawyer in Philadelphia or the tri-state area, please call us for a FREE CONSULTATION.