Utah Pedestrian Accident Statistics

It was reported in an article that in 2011 there was a 15% increase in fatal pedestrian accidents when compared to the 2010 statistics. With this increase, our Utah pedestrian accident lawyer is dedicated to helping the victims and loved ones of fatal pedestrian recover compensations for the pain and suffering caused by the accident. Statistics for 2011 reflected the following information:

• Out of the 866 pedestrians who were struck by motor vehicles, 770 were injured while thirty-two were killed.
• Although pedestrian accidents accounted for only 1 percent of crashes, they accounted for 13 percent of deaths.
• The highest rate of accidents occurred during the 5 p.m. hour, and was most likely between noon and 9 p.m.
• The most vulnerable to accidents during this time period were pedestrians aged 10-19 years old. Drivers were most likely to be in the range of 20-29, followed by 15-19 years old, though the driver age was unknown in over 15 percent of accidents.
• The report found that 57 percent of drivers were under 40 years old, while 56 percent of pedestrians in crashes were under 25 years old.

2011 statistics also identified the major factors contributing to pedestrian accidents committed by the driver. These are:

• Failed to yield right of way (33 percent)
• Hit and run (14 percent)
• Driver distraction (8 percent)
• Vision obscured by weather (4 percent)
• Improper backing (4 percent)

For 2012, Utah Department of Public Safety published the following facts and figures concerning pedestrian accidents:

• Out of the 922 pedestrians that were struck by motor vehicles; 813 were injured and 31 were killed.
• Pedestrians accounted for 1% of persons in crashes and 14% of deaths.
• Pedestrian crashes were 10.6 times more likely to result in a death than other crashes.
• One-half (48%) of drivers in pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes were under 35 years.
• One-half (49%) of the pedestrians in crashes were under 25 years of age.

It was also observed that one-third (33%) of drivers who hit pedestrians were turning. Drivers need to watch for pedestrians before turning. The other major factors of the pedestrian accident identified as due to the driver’s fault are:

• Failed to Yield Right of Way (32%)
• Hit and Run (11%)
• Driver Distraction (8%)
• Improper Backing (4%)
• Vision Obscured by Glare (4%)

Although 55% of the pedestrians involved in an accident did not contribute to the crash, there are leading contributing factors of pedestrians in crashes in Utah as of 2012. These are:

• Improper crossing (13%)
• Darting (7%)
• In roadway improperly (5%)

The location of pedestrians in crashes as reflected in the 2012 Utah Crash Report are the following: marked crosswalk (41%), in roadway and not at intersection/crosswalk (28%), road shoulder (8%),  unmarked crosswalk (7%) and sidewalk (5%) The 2012 Crash Report also identified the motor vehicle action prior to the crash.  These are:

• Straight ahead (47%)
• Turning left (17%)
• Turning right (16%)
• Backing (8%)
• Parking (5%)

These numbers clearly demonstrate that pedestrians today are still facing the same dilemma faced by pedestrians in the past. Motorists and pedestrians must take note of these statistics and make themselves aware that certain actions and precautions need to be taken to avoid adding to the numbers. For motorists, avoidance of distracted and impaired driving can greatly help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents. It is also advisable for drivers to slow down when approaching an intersection and crosswalk. Pedestrians on the other hand, should be careful when crossing the streets and to wear clothes that are visible to drivers, especially at night time. Use the crosswalks and exercise caution even when using marked crosswalks since this is the top spot for pedestrian accidents. Christensen & Hymas cares for the welfare of pedestrians who are injured because of some driver’s failure to obey traffic rules and share the road. Call us at (801)-506-0800 for a free initial consultation. We will help you get your just compensation. Read our “Pedestrian Accidents” article for further reading.

Image courtesy of the United States Department of the Treasury. The image is in the public domain.

Free Consultation

Learn your Rights. Get Answers. Free.