Man Killed in Manatee County Pedestrian Accident
Most of us have been pedestrians at some point. Being a pedestrian can be a dangerous activity, though, especially at night.
Sadly, a man experienced this firsthand in Manatee County. The 74-year-old pedestrian was hit by a car and killed on the evening of February 7.
The fatal accident occurred when the Bradenton man tried to cross the lanes of U.S. 41/14th Street West near 51st Avenue Drive West. A car traveling south on U.S. 41 hit the man. He died at the accident scene.
The driver of the car, a 24-year-old Palmetto woman, was not injured in the crash. The accident is still under investigation by Florida Highway Patrol.
Nighttime Pedestrian Accidents
Nighttime conditions dramatically increase pedestrian risk. In the United States, roughly three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. This is despite the fact that far fewer people are walking at night.
U.S. 41 in Manatee County is an especially dangerous road. All kinds of accidents have been reported on this road. This is because the traffic can be intense and those who attempt to cross this road often end up getting hit and suffering serious injuries or death.
Poor visibility, impaired driving, and high-speed roads contribute heavily to pedestrian accidents. Older adults, impaired pedestrians and drivers, and residents of dense urban corridors face the highest risk of being involved in an accident.
Pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen at night due to the following factors:
- Reduced visibility. Low light, glare from headlights, dark clothing, and poor street lighting make pedestrians harder to detect, especially on unlit roads.
- Impaired and fatigued driving. Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue play a major role in nighttime crashes. Almost half of fatal pedestrian crashes involve alcohol impairment.
- Higher speeds and urban roads. Most nighttime pedestrian deaths happen on wide, high-speed urban roads built to move traffic quickly. There are often no sidewalks, safe crossings, or adequate lighting.
- Poor infrastructure. Inadequate crosswalks, missing sidewalks, and limited lighting significantly increase nighttime crash risk, especially in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
There are many ways to avoid pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians should do the following:
- Wear reflective or light-colored clothing.
- Carry a flashlight or wear reflective gear.
- Use crosswalks and well-lit routes.
- Avoid alcohol when walking near traffic.
Drivers can also do their part by doing the following:
- Reduce speed at night.
- Scan road edges constantly.
- Expect pedestrians in dark areas.
- Avoid impaired or fatigued driving.
Contact Us Today
Accidents involving pedestrians tend to involve catastrophic and even fatal injuries. Your life could change in a split second if you are hit by a negligent driver who fails to stop for you.
If you or a loved one has been affected, contact a Bradenton pedestrian accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm. These accidents can be complicated to pursue, but we can help you get full and fair compensation. To schedule a consultation with our office, call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.
Source:
bradenton.com/news/local/article314622545.html
