Auto-pedestrian collisions are devastating because of how vulnerable pedestrians are in these accident scenarios. While pedestrians are expected to follow traffic rules, drivers have a greater responsibility to help ensure road safety.
There are situations where the driver is clearly at fault, whether due to negligence, distraction or failure to yield. They include, but are not limited to:
1. Multitasking behind the wheel
When a driver takes their eyes off the road because they’re engaging in other activities while they drive, it significantly increases the risk of hitting a pedestrian.
Even if the pedestrian is obeying all traffic signals, the driver’s lack of attention can lead to a preventable accident. In such cases, the fault lies squarely with the driver for not maintaining focus on the road.
2. Failure to yield at crosswalks
When a driver approaches a crosswalk and does not slow down or stop for a pedestrian who has already stepped onto the road, they are violating traffic laws.
This type of negligence is particularly dangerous in urban areas with high foot traffic. Pedestrians often assume they have the right-of-way and begin crossing, trusting that vehicles will stop.
3. Speeding in residential or school zones
Speed limits are reduced in residential areas and school zones to help ensure the safety of pedestrians. If a pedestrian is struck in a school zone by a vehicle traveling above the posted speed limit, the driver is almost always considered at fault. The law takes into account the expectation that drivers ought to exercise greater caution in areas where vulnerable road users are likely to be present.
By recognizing these situations and adjusting behavior accordingly, drivers play a vital role in helping to ensure safer streets for everyone. Pedestrians should know that they can rely on legal support to hold any drivers who are reckless on the roads accountable for auto-pedestrian accidents.