3 Important Facts Every Pedestrian Should Know Before Heading Out The Door

Walking has driving beat when it comes to cardio benefits -- but it doesn't have much going for it when it comes to safety. In fact, being a pedestrian is actually a pretty dangerous activity. If you're a regular walker, jogger, or runner, this is what you should know.

1. The number of pedestrian deaths is on the rise.

The Governors Highway Safety Association released a report that indicates an 11% jump in the number of pedestrian fatalities between 2015 and 2016, the last year for which data is available. Nearly 6,000 pedestrians died in traffic accidents -- which is not only the most killed in a single year in over 20 years but the biggest single increase between years ever. By comparison, overall traffic deaths are only up a mere 6%.

There's no clear answer for the difference either, although suggestions have been offered:

• Lower gas prices and cheaper cars have put more drivers on the road than before.
• Distracted driving is a big problem -- drivers face more distractions inside their cars than out of them if they're driving newer vehicles. Phones, GPS systems, radios, voice-activated control centers like Siri, and more are all unneeded distractions that can cause a driver to overlook a red light and hit a pedestrian.
• Distracted walking is an equally bad problem. Pedestrians have their eyes on their phones and their headphones in while they're walking. That means they aren't watching for drivers that could be headed their way.
• Poorly designed street systems with no regard for walkers. Some cities have walker/runner/biker zones on their roads -- and some don't. Others have areas that are designed to give pedestrians room but they simply stop in awkward places -- forcing pedestrians to cross traffic or turn around.

2. Crosswalks are important.

While the study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was done in 2006, there's no indication things have changed -- and it found that crosswalks are one of the few places that pedestrians have any safety. About 42% of pedestrian fatalities actually occur on roads with no crosswalks. Another 21% occur where the crosswalk was there but not being properly used.

If you're a pedestrian, use the crosswalk if it's there. If it isn't, consider altering your route so that you use streets that have them.

3. Some pedestrians are more at risk than others.

According to the Center for Disease Control, some pedestrians are more at risk of dying than others, so understand your risk factors:

• The higher the posted speed limit, the more likely your risk of death on any given road. Pedestrians hit by a car moving 20 mph stand a 10% chance of dying. One struck by a car going 40 mph has an 80% chance of dying. Pick a road with a lower speed limit to walk on if you can.
• Age is a factor. The oldest pedestrians -- those aged 65 and above -- account for 19% of fatalities and 13% of injuries. The youngest pedestrians -- those aged 15 and under -- account for 20% of the traffic-related deaths in that age group.
• Urban areas pose a greater risk than rural areas -- possibly because rural areas are more accustomed to seeing walkers or bicycle riders or are on alert for deer and other dangers.
• Most pedestrian deaths occur at night -- if you have to walk at night, try to keep on the sidewalks, in bright areas, wear reflective clothing or use reflective devices that will alert drivers to your presence.

If you are in an accident with a vehicle, don't hesitate to contact an attorney, such as at the Law Offices of Rickie T. Weiner P.C., who handles pedestrian accidents. You need someone to advocate for you to get the best possible protection of your right to compensation as you recover.