In Charleston, South Carolina, pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we have observed various factors contributing to these incidents. Understanding these causes is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers to prevent such accidents and for victims to know their legal rights.
Higher-Risk Areas in Charleston
Certain locations in Charleston are more prone to pedestrian accidents. Areas around schools, for instance, are high risk due to the influx of vehicles and children, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Parking lots, too, are common sites for pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians walking in different directions combined with drivers reversing or not paying proper attention can lead to collisions. Even pedestrian crosswalks, intended as safe zones, can be hazardous. Accidents here often occur due to drivers ignoring traffic signals, not paying attention to pedestrians, or exceeding speed limits.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Several factors, primarily related to driver behavior, contribute to pedestrian accidents in Charleston:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, including cell phone use, texting, or GPS operation, is a leading cause. These distractions take drivers’ attention off the road, increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians.
- Drunk Driving: Drunk driving continues to be a significant problem in South Carolina, with impaired drivers posing a severe risk to pedestrians due to reduced judgment and reflexes.
- Traffic Infractions: Failure to yield, running red lights or stop signs, and drivers making turns without full awareness of their surroundings are common causes.
- Speeding: Speeding is another factor that increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of pedestrian injuries.
- Road Rage: Road rage and aggressive driving behavior also contribute to pedestrian accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Inadequate lighting conditions, especially during evening or early morning hours, can significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents. Drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians, particularly in areas lacking proper street lighting.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, like rain or fog, can impair a driver’s visibility and the pedestrian’s ability to navigate crossings safely.
- Driver Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers may not react appropriately to pedestrian presence, leading to higher risks of accidents.
- Inattentive Pedestrians: Pedestrians themselves can contribute to accidents through distractions like using cell phones, wearing headphones, or not paying attention to traffic signals.
- Poor Road Design: Roads lacking proper pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, or traffic calming measures can be dangerous for pedestrians. This is particularly true in areas where pedestrian pathways intersect with high-traffic roads.
- Unmarked Crosswalks: Intersections without clearly marked crosswalks can create confusion for both drivers and pedestrians, leading to accidents.
- Overgrown Vegetation: Obstructed views from overgrown trees or bushes can hide pedestrians from drivers’ sight, particularly at intersections and road bends.
Contact a Charleston Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Victims of pedestrian accidents in Charleston may face physical, emotional, and financial burdens. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we understand pedestrian accident cases.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, know that legal support is available. Contact Query Sautter & Associates, LLC for guidance and representation in your pedestrian accident case.