In the last few years, pedestrian and cyclist death rates have increased. In 2019, drivers killed the most pedestrians and cyclists in 30 years. This is disheartening news, especially when thinking about the advances in technology that have occurred in the last few decades.
Cars are getting bigger, and overall they are becoming safer for drivers and their passengers. However, there are significant downsides to this trend. For one, bigger cars burn gas at higher rates, which is much worse for the environment. Second, the trend seems to be impacting those who are most vulnerable – pedestrians and cyclists.
Is technology leading to complacency?
Many bigger cars have forward-thinking technology such as lane-keep assistance, radars, sensors and automatic emergency braking. However, technology has not yet surpassed a driver’s ability to use their own judgment. These technological innovations could cause drivers to become complacent and not exercise as much care when driving, which could be causing more accidents.
SUVs are more likely to kill pedestrians than cars
SUVs are becoming more popular, and although their designs have modernized throughout the years, they continue to be more dangerous to pedestrians than other types of cars. This is believed to be due to the amount of force caused by such a heavy vehicle driving at speed. In a study conducted in Michigan, 30% of SUV impacts at 20-39 mph caused a pedestrian fatality, whereas only 23% of car impacts at this speed caused a passenger fatality.
Injured pedestrians need to fight for damages
Unfortunately, passengers who are severely injured by a car accident struggle to gain the full amount of damages they deserve. All well as compensation for all financial damages, they should be able to gain additional damages for the pain and suffering caused.
If you are a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, it is important that you take action to explore your legal options.
