South Carolina roadways are especially fatal to pedestrians and ranks as one of the deadliest states for pedestrians. Based on preliminary data from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association’s (GHSA) report, 174 pedestrians were killed in South Carolina in 2022. As with many types of road accidents, the cause of a pedestrian accident might not always be clear.
However, understanding how pedestrian accidents happen in South Carolina is immensely crucial to preventing and lowering the number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries each year. Various factors can contribute to or cause pedestrian crashes, but the following are the most common:
Speeding
Drivers who are speeding may not have sufficient time to respond to a pedestrian crossing the street. Speeding also raises the severity of the pedestrian’s injuries.
Distracted Driving
Many pedestrian crashes happen when drivers do not pay close attention to their surroundings. When drivers take their focus off the roadway, even for a split second, a pedestrian can get seriously injured or killed.
Left-hand Turns
Pedestrians are three times more at risk of getting hit by left-turning vehicles than by right-turning vehicles. This also applies to intersections with crosswalks and traffic signals. The reason for this is that some left-turning drivers may be more focused on other vehicles and forget to look out for pedestrians who may be crossing.
Driving Under The Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Driving while drugged or drunk significantly raises the risk of pedestrian crashes. Impaired drivers are less able to notice pedestrians and react quickly if they spot a pedestrian.
Unmarked or Improperly Maintained Crosswalks
All intersections must have designated and clearly marked crosswalks where pedestrians can safely cross. Otherwise, drivers may forget to watch out for or completely ignore pedestrians, leading to severe pedestrian crashes.
Malfunctioning or Improperly Installed Traffic Lights or Signs
Drivers and pedestrians rely heavily on traffic lights for safety. Defective traffic signs or lights can easily confuse them and cause or contribute to a pedestrian crash.
Driver Inexperience
Inexperienced drivers may not be as adept at spotting pedestrians and reacting to oncoming pedestrians appropriately.
Rolling Stops
When a driver does not stop properly at a traffic light or stop sign, they may fail to see nearby or crossing pedestrians.
Not Slowing Down or Being Extra Careful in School Zones
Following all the motor vehicle safety rules when driving in or around school zones is crucial because children have a higher risk of getting hit by reckless drivers and suffering catastrophic injuries or dying.
Reach Out to a Skilled Charleston Pedestrian Accident Attorney Now
Depending on the circumstances of your pedestrian accident, it can be difficult to determine what caused it and whom you can hold liable for your losses. Whether you got injured in a pedestrian accident due to a negligent driver’s actions or a government entity’s negligent roadway design or maintenance, the Charleston pedestrian accident attorney at Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, can help.
To schedule your case consultation with our Charleston pedestrian accident attorney and find out how we can secure compensation for your pedestrian accident-related damages, call our office at 843-795-9500 or send us an online message.