Alabama Injury Lawyer Blog

Car-pedestrian accidents in Montgomery typically happen more frequently when it's dark outside. With the recent Daylight Saving Time adjustment, the sun sets earlier, increasing the chances for accidents after dark. Although only about 25 percent of travel happens during the nighttime, about 50 percent of fatal accidents occur during this time. Pedestrians are oftentimes overlooked after the sun sets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges pedestrians and motorists to be safer on our roadways to avoid an accident. Drivers should alter their driving habits to compensate for the reduction in visibility. It is interesting to note that some drivers will focus on the windshield as it's the most visible object. It's important for drivers to consciously look passed the vehicle's windows to ensure alertness of your surroundings, including the dangers.

Our Montgomery pedestrian accident attorneys understand that even drivers with perfect vision experience difficulties seeing at night. There is less to see when the sun sets and our eyes have to work hard to focus on our surroundings. Drivers oftentimes have a misconception of dangers on our roadways at night because they're unable to see everything. By adjusting our driving habits, we can help to steer clear of any accidents.

The NHTSA reports that there were more than 4,000 pedestrians killed in the country in traffic-related accidents in 2009. Reports indicate that about a quarter of these fatalities occurred between 4 and 8 p.m. Another 13 percent occurred between 4 and 8 p.m.

The NHTSA is asking drivers to be cautious when navigating after dark. The low-light driving conditions can take some time to get used to. During this time everyone faces a greater risk for injury and death, especially pedestrians. Here are some safety tips to help drivers and pedestrians decrease their risks of an accident.

Nighttime safety tips for motorists:

-Slow down. During nighttime driving, motorists need more time to see a pedestrian. Reaction time is delayed because visibility is reduced. Slowing down will give you more time to react.

-Keep in mind that pedestrians can be wearing headphones. While wearing these, pedestrians are less likely to hear your vehicle approaching.

-You should always keep your windows and mirrors clean to enhance visibility. Keep your windshield wiper fluid full.

Nighttime safety tips for pedestrians:

-To help motorists see you along our roadways, you should always carry a flashlight or wear fluorescent tape on your clothing.

-You shouldn't depend on traffic lights and traffic signals. Motorists can be distracted or have total disregard for these devices. Walk defensively and alertly.

-You should never jaywalk. Cross streets only at street corners or at sidewalks.

-Allow pedestrians with the right-of-way to ensure they cross the street safely.

-You should always walk on a sidewalk when one is available. When there's no sidewalk, you should walk safely away from the roadway, facing traffic.

Continue reading "Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents in Alabama Increase with Fall Time Change" »

Today, Oct. 5th, is International Walk to School Day and we're asking everyone to help spread the word about how we can all chip in to help reduce pedestrian accidents in Alabama.

Every year since its launch in 1997 in Chicago, cities in the U.S. have participated in this campaign that raises awareness about the dangers pedestrians face daily and helping to make our roads safer. Back then it was called National Walk Our Children to School Day and held exclusively in the U.S. It has since gone international. In 2005, the event helped to pass legislation that has authorized more than $600 million to states that needed funding to construct safe roadways. There have been nearly 12,000 schools in each of the 50 states that have received some of the funds to conduct their own Walk to School Day.

Our Montgomery pedestrian accident attorneys understand how beneficial an event like this can be for residents across the state. Not only does the campaign raise awareness about pedestrian safety, but it is also a good opportunity for parents and children to go out for a heart-healthy walk. Additionally, it helps to raise awareness about the need for safer roadways. For many cities, International Walk to School Day results in fewer vehicles on the road, which in turn helps to minimize pollution.

Schools that are participating in this year's campaign in Montgomery:

-Chisholm Elementary School

-Floyd Elementary School

-G. W. Carver Elementary School

-Highland Gardens Elementary School

-Seth Johnson Elementary School

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were approximately 1,300 pedestrians under the age of 15 who were killed in traffic-related accidents in the U.S. in 2009. Another 179,000 of these young pedestrians were injured. Child pedestrian accidents accounted for nearly 5 percent of all traffic-related fatalities that year.

The statistics mean that nearly 500 child pedestrians were injured and nearly 5 child pedestrians were killed every single day on U.S. roadways.

Parents are urged to talk to children about the benefits and about the dangers of walking in our community. Children should get out and walk for a number of reasons. Walking increases self-confidence, fitness and responsibility. Don't send your child outdoors without the proper safety tips though. Teaching children safe pedestrian habits early on will help to keep them safe and injury-free on our roadways.

Parents are urged to talk to children about the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, wearing light-colored clothing during evening hours, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Here are more child pedestrian safety tips that you are urged to discuss with your child. These habits can turn into lifelong skills and can even be used to save your child's life one day.

"Our school intends to use this event as a kick-off to establishing better walking and biking habits for our students," says Cheryl Coprich, the principal at Floyd Elementary School.

Continue reading "Residents Discuss Pedestrian Accidents in Alabama for International Walk to School Day" »

A Montgomery pedestrian accident has claimed the life of a 62-year-old man after an accident on East Boulevard, the Advertiser reported.

Our Alabama personal injury lawyers note a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, which found the number of fatal pedestrian accidents is not declining as quickly as the overall number of traffic fatalities nationwide.

In this case, the victim was attempting to cross the street when he was struck on East Boulevard between Young Barn Road and Arbor Station Road. The 40-year-old driver was charged with driving under the influence.

Nationwide, the number of fatalities began to climb again during the first six months of last year after four straight years of declines.

"GHSA is concerned to see this reversal. One factor may be the increased distractions for both pedestrians and drivers," said Chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. "Anyone who travels in a busy city has seen countless pedestrians engrossed in conversation or listening to music while crossing a busy street. Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely - without distractions."

Take that for what it's worth. But the vast majority of the pedestrian accidents we see are the fault of inattentive, impatient or negligent drivers. We think it just as likely that the uptick in fatal pedestrian accidents could be the result of more people walking during the economic downturn.

Nationwide, fatal pedestrian accidents have dropped from 4,892 in 2005 to 4,092 in 2009, an average drop of more than 200 a year. However, fatalities increased by 7 deaths during the first six months of 2010, to 1,891. While fatal pedestrian accidents in Alabama continued to decline, from 39 in the first half of 2009 to 27 in the first six months of 2010, the state still ranked 19th deadliest in the nation. The state is the nation's 23rd most populous.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 64 fatal pedestrian accidents in Alabama were reported in 2009.

Transportation for America ranked Alabama cities based on fatal pedestrian accidents in 2007 and 2008. Most dangerous based on number of fatal accidents per resident:

1) Mobile: 31 fatalities
2) Huntsville: 16 fatalities
3) Montgomery: 15
4) Birmingham-Hoover: 29
5) Decatur: 3
6) Florence-Muscle Shoals: 3
7) Tuscaloosa: 7
8) Anniston-Oxford: 2
9) Dothan: 2
10) Columbus: 12
11) Auburn-Opelika: 2
12) Gadsden: 0

Continue reading "Montgomery pedestrian accident highlights risks for Alabama residents" »