As the weather has been warming up now that spring is here,
people in Michigan are going outside more for walks and to get some sun. With
more people going outside and walking, the more the chances of pedestrian
accidents increase. Not only that, but because gas is cheaper, more people are
driving as well. So more cars on the road in addition to more pedestrians can
mean more accidents. Unfortunately, the number of people being hit by cars is
rising. In Michigan, there were 148 pedestrians killed in 2014, according to
recent data from the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Facts. Between 2010
and 2014, pedestrian fatalities in southeast Michigan were 50% higher than the
statewide average. As a result, Detroit has been named one of the Federal
Highway Administration’s pedestrian safety focus cities.
Here are some more Michigan Pedestrian Accident statistics:
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There were 2,406 pedestrians involved in 2,280
motor vehicle crashes in 2014.
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Of the 148 pedestrians killed, 44 (29.7%) of the
deaths were the result of an alcohol-involved crash and 35 of those pedestrians
had been drinking.
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While only 1% of traffic crashes involve
pedestrians, nearly 25% of traffic-related deaths are pedestrians.
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80% of pedestrian deaths occur during nighttime.
Nationwide, however, the Governors Highway Safety
Association (GHSA) estimates that the number of pedestrian fatalities jumped by
10% last year, a year-to-year increase that comes after a 19% increase from
2009 to 2014. In addition, pedestrian deaths in 2015 are projected to account
for 15% of all traffic fatalities for the first time in 25 years.
Here are some safety tips for pedestrians to keep in mind:
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Be seen: Wear bright or reflective clothing.
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Be extra alert at night. The darkness makes it
harder for drivers to see you.
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Don’t just assume drivers can see you.
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Walk against traffic. When biking, go with
traffic.
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Avoid distractions such as using your phone or
listening to loud music through headphones.
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Use crosswalks.
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Obey traffic signals.
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Always make eye contact with drivers before
entering the street.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
