The High Risk of Teen Pedestrian Accidents in Georgia
With the arrival of warmer weather, longer days, and summer break from school, it is no wonder why more Georgia teens are outside and enjoying the neighborhood. Unfortunately, their activities put teenagers at serious risk of pedestrian accidents when out walking. According to SafeKids.org, almost 300 younger people on foot are killed and more than 10,000 are injured in crashes with cars annually. Though much of the focus is on the dangers of teens driving during the summer months, it is clear that pedestrian accidents are also a significant threat.
The good news is that parents and kids can work together to protect against pedestrian collisions. Safety tips, rules, and enforcement of rules are important during warmer months and throughout the year. However, you cannot prevent all crashes, so you should consult with an Atlanta pedestrian accidents lawyer to discuss legal options for victims. You can also read on for additional facts and trends about how teens are affected.
Statistics on Teens and Pedestrian Accidents: Based upon SafeKids data, a teenager on foot is killed or seriously injured every hour after being struck by a motorized vehicle. Around 75 percent of these incidents occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., so darkness is a factor. Still, this is a time window when most younger people are at home during the regular school year. In the summer, they are outside longer and later.
In a survey of 1,000 teens, SafeKids identified some trends parents should note:
- Around half of teens stated that they walked in the dark at least sometimes.
- Up to 40 percent of teenagers admit that they had either been struck or almost struck by a motorized vehicle while on foot.
- Of those teens that were involved in a pedestrian accident or near-miss, 47 percent responded that they were listening to music at the time.
Safety Tips While Walking: First, parents should note that the first tip is to follow their own tips. Do not impose rules on your teens in the name of safety and then break them yourself. Plus:
- Always remove ear buds when crossing the intersection.
- Do not talk on the phone, review or respond to a text, surf the internet, or go on social media while walking around busy traffic.
- At night, wear brightly colored clothing and walk in lit areas. Carry a flashlight or use your phone’s light so that you are more visible to motorists.
- Walking is a better alternative than drunk driving, but intoxication can also lead to pedestrian accidents. Call parents or a ridesharing service if you are too impaired to safely get home on foot.
Contact a Georgia Pedestrian Accidents Attorney About Legal Options
Statistics and safety tips are useful for preventing teen pedestrian accidents, but you will need assistance from a skilled lawyer if you were involved in one. Our team at The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC will guide you through the legal process, so please contact us to schedule a free case review. You can reach our Atlanta offices by calling 404-476-2717 or going online.
Source:
safekids.org/infographic/pedestrian-safety-and-teens
