West Virginia drivers share the road with thousands of people who walk to work, school, errands, and leisure. Staying alert behind the wheel is not just for the sake of traffic rules. It is critical for preventing serious or fatal accidents. West Virginia’s winding roads, narrow town streets, and busy intersections create many situations where a driver may encounter someone on foot.
West Virginia has a beautiful landscape, whether you’re biking and swimming under summer sunshine or driving scenic roads. The state is also rich in coal, which has shaped both its economy and history.
If an accident occurs, getting help from a skilled Charleston, WV, pedestrian accident attorney can be an essential step toward understanding your rights. According to the NHTSA, more than 7,000 pedestrians are killed each year in the United States, and thousands more are seriously injured. If the driver is preoccupied with anything other than their driving, even the slow vehicle’s speeds can still be hazardous.
What Makes Some Places Riskier for Pedestrians Than Others?
There are many old towns in West Virginia, which have older roads built long before today’s vehicles. Drivers may quickly come across crosswalks, curves, and pedestrians stepping into the street from between parked cars.
Some elements make certain places much riskier for pedestrians:
- Lack of street lighting on country roads.
- Hills that limit visibility.
- Increased number of people walking around schools and shopping areas.
- Visitors who are unfamiliar with how the local traffic operates.
Distractions for the driver or the pedestrian can lead to tragic accidents.
What Types of Driver Behavior Lead to Most Pedestrian Crashes?
Most pedestrian crashes occur due to predictable causes:
1. Speed: Increasing the speed of a vehicle will increase the space required to stop, as well as the severity of the injury.
2. Distracted Driving: A brief look away from the roadway can cause the driver to fail to notice a person entering the crosswalk.
3. Failure to Yield: Most pedestrian crashes occur when a vehicle turns without first checking for pedestrians.
4. Impaired Driving: Both alcohol and drug impairment will affect a driver’s reaction time and decision-making.
Since these driver behaviors are avoidable, being more cautious while driving can greatly improve your chances of avoiding a crash.
Ways in Which Drivers Can Improve Their Safety
Only a few simple habits can protect both pedestrians and drivers from injury:
- Drive slowly through residential neighborhoods and near schools.
- Check all of your mirrors and blind spots before turning.
- Anticipate that there will be pedestrians present at every intersection, even if you have a green light.
- Avoid using your cell phone, even hands-free, while driving in heavy traffic.
Awareness alone can save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Pedestrian safety is of utmost importance in West Virginia, as the state boasts numerous roads that are not suitable for today’s traffic.
- Drivers’ distraction, speeding, or failure to yield to pedestrians causes the vast majority of pedestrian crashes.
- By simply remaining attentive, reducing your speed, and anticipating that there will be pedestrians walking in the area, you can dramatically reduce the potential for injury.
- Consultation with a lawyer may assist injured parties in understanding their legal options.