The Houston pedestrian injury lawyers at Denena Points, PC emphasize that the speed at which a driver is traveling strongly influences the chances of the vehicle striking a pedestrian and seriously injuring or killing that pedestrian. Reviews of available data on pedestrian safety by researchers show that while only 5% of pedestrians will suffer fatal injury if a vehicle is traveling at 20 mph, the chances of death increase to 40% when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph; 80% if the vehicle is traveling at 40 mph; and 100% if the vehicle is going 50 mph.
On average, there are 15 injured pedestrians for every one that is killed in a vehicle crash. But that ratio and overall pedestrian safety varies widely depending on the posted speed limits for the road where the crash occurs. Where the speed limit is 25 mph or less, there are generally more than 57 injured pedestrians for every one killed by a vehicle crash. But our Houston pedestrian injury lawyers point out that on roads where the speed limit is 60 mph or higher, the rate is less than one injury (0.3%) for every death. In other words, almost every pedestrian struck by a vehicle is also killed by that vehicle. (Source: Literature Review on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries, U.S. DOT, NHTSA, Oct. 1999)
Two pedestrians were reportedly injured on Saturday night on Houston streets with speed limits of 40 mph or less. The accident occurred on Tuam near Helena Street when a suspected drunken driver struck two pedestrians as they were trying to cross the street. The driver initially fled the scene but returned after being followed by a witness. The suspected drunken driver was arrested, and the two unfortunate pedestrians received transport to the hospital for serious injuries. Our Houston pedestrian injury lawyers wish the two victims of the crash swift and complete recoveries from their injuries.
Drunken drivers cause many pedestrian injuries and fatalities. And our Houston pedestrian injury lawyers mention that these drunken drivers are often traveling very fast when the crash occurs. But more and more distracted drivers are on the roads, and drowsy drivers also take a toll on pedestrian safety. If you’re thinking that you never walk outside in Texas and it could never happen to you, think again.
Many of the injuries and fatalities are to “accidental” pedestrians: those who had to pull over beside by the road when their vehicle became disabled. Then, as they’re changing a tire, looking under the hood, or pushing the car, another vehicle comes along and hits them. Click the link to learn some important pedestrian safety tips you could follow to reduce your risk of injury by a vehicle when you’re on foot.