The factors contributing to how severe a pedestrian accident today in Portland can be a number of different factors. However, the problem is not just about drivers being distracted but also pedestrians breaking the law. In the course of a week of observing people during their daily commutes, a report from Portland State University found that 88% of people were observed crossing against a signal, and 55% did so while looking at their phones.
When a pedestrian and a vehicle collide, the result can be catastrophic. The severity of injuries and damage depends on a range of factors such as speed, lack of sightlines, and driver distraction. Portland is an especially dangerous place for pedestrians because it has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in Oregon. Therefore, especially if you are a daily commuter through the walkways of Portland, you better keep pedestrian injury lawyers handy.
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Some Main Factors That Increase The Severity Of Pedestrian Accident Today
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Speeding
Many factors contribute to the severity of pedestrian accident today in Portland, but one of the most significant is speeding. A study conducted by the Oregon Department of Transportation found that 17% of pedestrians were fatally injured in crashes in which the driver was exceeding the speed limit. Another 18% were critically injured in these situations. Pedestrian accident today who are struck by drivers traveling at 55 mph will be killed 70% of the time.
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Running red lights and stop signs
Drivers running red lights and stop signs is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accident today in Portland. According to a study done by the Portland Bureau of Transportation, over 50% of drivers who were involved in accidents with pedestrians ran a red light or stop sign. These collisions often cause severe injuries or death to the pedestrian due to the driver’s lack of regard for traffic rules. Drivers, as well as pedestrians, must obey traffic laws; if they don’t, it could put everyone at risk.
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Failing to yield in crosswalks
It is important for drivers to pay attention to crosswalk signs and yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street. When drivers fail to yield, pedestrian accident today become more severe and create a dangerous situation for everyone on the street. With 1,832 total collisions and 12 fatalities in 2016, it is imperative that we work together as a city to reduce these numbers.
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Driving under influence
Recently, a report has been released that pedestrian accident today in Portland have increased by 8.5%, and it is speculated that the increase in incidents may be attributed to drivers under the influence (DUI). The report outlines data from traffic accidents that occurred between 2011 and 2015. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that alcohol-involved pedestrian crashes rose from 1.3% to 4%.
Why do many pedestrians get accidents?
The main causes of pedestrian accidents are: (1) speeding; (2) driving too fast for conditions; (3) driving too fast to be able to safely stop; (4) texting while driving; (5) distracted driving; (6) driving while intoxicated; (7) disobeying traffic signs/signals; (8) reckless driving; and (9) careless driving.
What are pedestrian safety issues?
In many studies, several behavioral factors like talking on the cellphone while crossing the street, neglecting tra c light, crossing a red light and crossing at inappropriate places (crossing dangerous lines) are suggested as pedestrians' unsafe behaviors.