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Drivers need to be particularly vigilant during the holiday season. Pedestrians are everywhere and are one of the few groups, according to NHTSA (National Traffic Safety Administration), to experience an increase in fatalities in the United States in 2016 with 5,987 deaths. In Florida alone, 301 pedestrians were killed in 2016 which was an increase of 8.7 percent over the previous year. Pedestrians accounted for approximately 30 percent of all traffic fatalities which involved children under 15 years of age. Night time was the most popular time for pedestrian fatalities with 74 percent. NHTSA reported that of those killed 72 percent were not crossing at intersections. 

There are four primary causes of pedestrian deaths and injuries. These are speed, failure to yield, distractions, and alcohol, according to NPR (National Public Radio). 

• Speed. If a pedestrian is struck at 20 miles an hour, he/she has a 10 percent chance of dying. If struck at 40 miles an hour, they have an 80 percent chance of dying. 

• Failure to yield. Many pedestrians assume that vehicles will see them and stop and thus do not use situational awareness to avoid putting themselves in harm’s way. 

• After speeding and the failure to yield, distractions are the number three cause of pedestrian fatalities, particularly by electronic devices. 

• 15 percent of pedestrians killed each year are hit by a drunk driver, while 34 percent of pedestrians killed are legally drunk themselves. One-third of pedestrians killed in traffic had blood-alcohol (BAC) levels above the .08 threshold for drunk driving. 

What makes the holiday season more dangerous for pedestrians? 

• The excitement of parties and holiday shopping and events can cause pedestrians to be distracted and less focused. 

• Distracted drivers looking for parking spaces simply do not see children and other pedestrians walking between vehicles. 

• The darker winter months and shorter days often mask pedestrians leaving bars, stores, and other familiar destinations, and leave them particularly vulnerable to traffic. 

• Individuals also may dress in darker, less visible clothing during winter months. 

USA Today says that there tend to be more intoxicated drivers around the holiday season, which poses a further danger to pedestrians. 

Drivers can take these additional steps, according to WCLU Radio, to watch out for pedestrians: 

• Keep your driving simple, use turn signals, and take open spaces quickly versus driving around and searching for the perfect spot.
• Use the vehicle horn if you see other drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians participating in unsafe behaviors like texting while walking, talking on their phones or generally not paying attention. Giving a honk towards someone crossing an unsafe path while carrying bags or a child in front of their line of sight could prevent an injury or save a life.
• In general, stay alert, follow signage, stay in your lane, and away from distractions like your phone or eating. Always drive with two hands on the wheel, and wear your seatbelt. 

“Involved in a pedestrian accident? If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Attorney Randall Spivey.

Port Charlotte Pedestrian Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.