In May 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released pedestrian data from 2014.

– While the trend for total vehicle fatalities lowered by nearly 10,000 from 2005 to 2014, the percentage of pedestrian fatalities out of total vehicle fatalities has increased from 11 to 15 percent. In other words, automotive crashes are becoming more fatal for pedestrians.

– Adults 50 to 59 made up the highest total number of pedestrians killed in 2014, at 942 deaths, and the second largest age group, with 745 deaths, was adults 20 to 29.

– Alcohol involvement — for the driver and/or the pedestrian — was reported in 48 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities.

Pedestrians should remain cautious when crossing roads, especially outside of intersections and crosswalks. Inebriating substances used by both motorists and pedestrians increase the chance of a catastrophic event.

To help our community remain safe, we rely on each other to practice attentive and careful driving.

To learn more about your rights as a pedestrian, contact the Cape Girardeau auto accident lawyers at Cook, Barkett, Ponder, & Wolz for a free consultation: 1 (877) 337-6651.

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