Missouri DOT Study Finds Pedestrian Accidents Often Caused by Signal Changes
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) collects and analyzes accident data for a wide range of vehicle-related accidents, including pedestrian accidents. In 2009, the most recent year for which data analysis has been completed, the MoDOT found that most of the pedestrian accidents that year occurred when a traffic signal changed, but drivers did not pause to check for pedestrians before removing their feet from the brake pedal.
MoDOT Pedestrian Crash Statistics
According to the MoDOT data, a total of 291 pedestrians were injured or killed in Missouri pedestrian-car crashes in 2009. Of these, 127 accidents, or 44 percent of the total, occurred immediately along with or after a traffic signal change. Often, these types of accidents occur when a driver is paying more attention to the light than the roadway around the car. The driver may see the light turn green and step on the gas without realizing that a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk. Drivers who attempt to turn right or left may also risk hitting pedestrians, who have often been given a “walk” signal at the same time.
Additional Pedestrian Accident Causes
Other major causes of pedestrian accidents included pedestrians standing in the roadway, walking on the shoulder of the road, or standing or walking between parked cars. Since pedestrians can usually be expected to stand or walk near a road especially when sidewalks are not available, drivers can help prevent pedestrian accidents by keeping in mind these common pedestrian behaviors and checking twice for people in or near the road, especially before making a turn or passing through an intersection.
Next Steps
Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries. The experienced Missouri pedestrian injury accident attorneys at Page Law can help you piece together the facts after an accident and hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. To learn more, please call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 for a free consultation or visit our Page Law Facebook page.
