Georgia sees many pedestrian-vehicle collisions every year, often with tragic consequences. Hundreds of people die while walking because of a vehicle crash annually. Many of these crashes are the fault of drivers, meaning that pedestrians don’t have many ways to protect themselves.
However, there is one consistent risk factor present in many of these crashes that could affect your safety. What is the issue that ties together three-quarters of all pedestrian fatalities?
Different times of day have different degrees of risk
The time of day that you go out for a walk has a direct impact on your safety. As you can probably imagine, walking after dark is far more dangerous than walking during the daytime. The statistics support that.
According to an analysis of pedestrian crashes by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur in crashes after dark. They also report a shocking 46% rise in reported pedestrian fatalities between 2010 and 2019, when overall traffic deaths only rose by 5% during the same period.
Walking while the sun is out is far safer than walking after it sets. If you do have to walk at night, reflective clothing or illuminated gear could possibly save your life from a driver who doesn’t notice you.
Pedestrians should be able to walk any time of day without risk, but drivers simply don’t focus enough on safety. Knowing when it is most dangerous to walk could help you avoid getting hit while walking. Understanding how drivers often cause pedestrian crashes can also motivate you to take action if an irresponsible driver injures you or someone you love.