Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian accidents are increasing, and statistics point out the severity of the problem:
- In 2015, 1,040 pedestrians were struck by motor vehicles in Utah. There were 901 injured, and 49 were killed.
- Pedestrian accidents account for 1% of crashes but 13% of deaths.
- 5:00-6:00 p.m. is the most dangerous time for pedestrian accidents
- Children ages 10-19 are most vulnerable to pedestrian accidents. Drivers are most likely to be 20-29 years old, followed by 15-19 years old.
Major factors contributing to pedestrian accidents are:
- Failed to yield right of way (33%)
- Hit and run (14%)
- Driver distraction (8%)
- Weather (4%)
- Improper backing (4%)
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety:
- Pedestrian crashes are 10.6 times more likely to result in death than other crashes.
- One-half (49%) of the pedestrians in crashes were under 25 years of age.
- 33% of drivers who hit pedestrians do so while turning.
Although most pedestrians involved in an accident do not contribute to the crash, the leading contributing factors to pedestrian accidents are:
- Improper crossing (13%)
- Darting (7%)
- Entering the roadway improperly (5%)
The location of pedestrians in crashes is:
- In a marked crosswalk (41%)
- In a roadway and not at an intersection/crosswalk (28%)
- Road shoulder (8%)
- Unmarked crosswalk (7%)
- Sidewalk (5%)
Vehicle action prior to a crash is:
- Traveling straight ahead (47%)
- Turning left (17%)
- Turning right (16%)
- Backing (8%)
- Parking (5%)
Motorists and pedestrians must be vigilant of the dangers and pay attention to the conditions around them. They should always exercise caution and follow traffic laws.
