Statistics Reveal Extreme Risks Of Teen Pedestrian Accidents In California

As a parent, you take common sense precautions when walking around the Bay Area with younger children. Securing them in a stroller, holding their hands, and keeping a close eye on them around traffic are extremely important safety tips for preventing pedestrian accidents. You might let your efforts slide somewhat when they reach their teenage years, knowing that your kids can appreciate the risks of being injured. Tragically, the statistics reveal the opposite about teen pedestrian accidents: Safe Kids Worldwide reports that the death rate is high among this age group, at more than double the number of fatalities compared to younger children.

However, the good news is that it is possible to reduce the risk of Oakland pedestrian accidents with a few safety tips for both parents and teens. No matter what your age, some additional data on the risks should convince you of the importance of being “heads up” while walking around motorized vehicle traffic.

Additional Statistics on Teen Pedestrian Injuries 

According to Safe Kids, a teen is struck by a motorized vehicle or involved in a traffic crash every hour in the US, resulting in 285 fatalities and more than 10,000 injuries annually. Plus, it is disturbing to note that:

• When surveyed, more than 50 percent of teens admitted that they cross the street while interacting with a mobile device.
• Teens are more likely to be struck by a motorist while jaywalking or crossing the street mid-block.
• Among teen survey respondents who were involved in pedestrian accidents or near-miss scenarios, 47 percent were listening to music, 1 in 5 was talking on the phone, and 18 percent were reading or drafting a text message.
• According to teenagers who were hit or almost struck by a vehicle, 1 in 4 blamed the incident on the motorist’s excessive speed. Approximately 10 percent said the driver was distracted.
• Dark and dimly lit conditions are a factor as around 75 percent of teen pedestrian deaths occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Safety Tips for Parents AND Teenagers 

Adults can fall into bad habits, which is why taking proper precautions when walking around traffic should be a team effort. Rather than “rules” you might instill upon younger kids, safety should be a two-way discussion between parents and teens. From the above, it is clear that mobile devices are a contributing factor to teen pedestrian accidents. Therefore, the whole family must commit to:

• Stow the cell phone when walking around traffic.
• Always use crosswalks and sidewalks when present.
• Only cross at intersections.
• Obey traffic signals.
• Watch for cars that are turning or reversing.

Consult with an Oakland Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today 

No amount of vigilance can prevent motorist negligence, so collisions with people on foot will continue to be a problem in California and across the US. If you or your teen was affected by a pedestrian accident, please contact the Oakland pedestrian accident attorneys at Venardi Zurada, LLP to schedule a free consultation. We can meet with you to assess your situation and determine next steps.

Resource:

safekids.org/infographic/pedestrian-safety-and-teens