Walking should be one of the safest and simplest ways to get around. But for too many families, it turns into tragedy. Every year, thousands of people are hit by cars while doing something as ordinary as crossing the street or walking through a parking lot. These accidents are not just statistics; they are parents, children, friends, and neighbors whose lives are forever changed in an instant. That’s why learning and following pedestrian safety tips is so essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones whenever you’re on the move.
At Lowe Law Group, we understand the devastating impact these situations can have. We have sat with families in hospital rooms, heard their stories of fear and frustration, and fought for their recovery. That’s why pedestrian safety matters so deeply to us.
In this article, we’ll share the most dangerous places for pedestrians, why accidents keep happening, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. If you ever find yourself or a loved one injured in a pedestrian accident, you’ll also learn what steps to take and how we can help.
Identifying High-Risk Zones: Practical Pedestrian Safety Tips
Not all streets are created equal. Some places pose far greater risks for people on foot. Think about busy intersections where drivers rush to beat the light, or long stretches of road without sidewalks where pedestrians are forced to walk dangerously close to speeding cars.
School zones are another concern, with children darting across streets and drivers not always slowing down. Parking lots can also be hazardous, especially when drivers back out without checking for people behind them. And when the sun sets, poorly lit streets can turn an ordinary walk into a deadly risk.
Each of these places creates challenges that put pedestrians in real danger. Recognizing these environments is the first step in staying safe.
Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents
Numbers often make the problem feel cold and distant, but they show just how serious this issue is. In 2022, more than 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S., the highest in four decades, according to the GHSA report.
Nearly one in six traffic deaths involves a pedestrian, and more than three-quarters of these tragedies happen at night, when visibility is low, based on NHTSA’s nighttime crash statistics. The danger is concentrated in cities, where 84% of pedestrian deaths occur compared with 16% in rural areas.
In Utah and surrounding states where Lowe Law Group represents clients, the trend reflects the national picture. The state recorded 46 pedestrian deaths in 2021, rising to 54 in 2022, before a preliminary decline to 40 in 2023, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Behind each statistic is a family struggling with medical bills, lost income, and the heartbreak of recovery.
Infrastructure Issues Causing Pedestrian Risks
It’s easy to blame only reckless drivers, but often the streets themselves set people up for danger. Many cities lack crosswalks where they are needed most. Multi-lane roads encourage speeding and make it difficult for someone on foot to get across safely. Poor lighting leaves pedestrians nearly invisible at night. Sidewalks are sometimes broken, narrow, or missing altogether, forcing people into the roadway. And traffic signals often give walkers too little time to cross.
These problems don’t just make walking inconvenient, they make it deadly. Safer planning and better design can prevent countless accidents, but too often, pedestrian needs are ignored in favor of keeping traffic moving quickly.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Even though you can’t control a driver’s choices or the city’s planning, there are ways to lower your risk when walking:
- Use marked crosswalks when possible.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street so you know they see you.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing at night to increase visibility.
- Avoid distractions like texting or using headphones when crossing.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming cars.
- Stay alert in parking lots, where many accidents happen at low speeds.
These steps aren’t foolproof, but they can make a difference.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
No one ever expects to be hit by a car. When it happens, confusion and shock can make it hard to know what to do. Here are the most important steps to take:
- Call 911 right away. This ensures help arrives quickly and creates an official record of the accident.
- Get medical care even if you feel fine. Serious injuries are not always obvious at first.
- Collect evidence if you are able, photos of the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries can help later.
- Speak to witnesses who saw what happened and get their contact information.
- Avoid speaking to the driver’s insurance company without legal advice. Their goal is to protect profits, not your recovery.
If your crash happened in North Dakota, our pedestrian accident lawyer in Bismarck can help you understand your options and protect your claim.
We have seen how overwhelming these moments can be. We have guided families through the process of healing and recovery, making sure their voices are heard and their rights protected. We know the tricks insurance companies use, and we won’t let them take advantage of you.
Visit our Pedestrian Accident Page for more details.
FAQs About Pedestrian Safety and Accidents
Q: Who is usually at fault in a pedestrian accident?
A: Often, the driver is at fault, especially if they were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. In some cases, both the pedestrian and the driver share responsibility.
Q: Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
A: In many states, yes. Comparative negligence laws may reduce your compensation, but you may still recover damages.
Q: What compensation is available in pedestrian accident cases?
A: Victims may be entitled to medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages if the driver’s behavior was reckless.
Q: How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim?
A: It depends on the state. In Utah, most personal injury claims must be filed within four years (Utah Courts).
Q: Do I really need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
A: Yes. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to limit payouts. Having an advocate who knows the law levels the playing field and ensures you’re treated fairly.
About Lowe Law Group and How We Can Help
Pedestrian safety is about more than rules of the road, it’s about protecting people and communities. Safer cities, responsible drivers, and accountability can save lives. But when the worst happens, you deserve someone who will stand with you.
At Lowe Law Group, we don’t just see cases, we see people. We’ve represented parents who can’t work because of their injuries, children who need lifelong medical care, and families who lost someone they loved. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients by standing up to powerful insurance companies and taking cases to trial when necessary.
We combine legal experience with compassion. We listen to your story, explain your options in plain language, and walk with you every step of the way. You are never just a case number to us.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us today for a free consultation. You’ll get straight answers, compassionate guidance, and the confidence of having a team that truly cares about your recovery.
