Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Pedestrian accidents are increasing, and statistics point out the severity of the problem:

winter pedestrian safety on ice

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.