Pedestrian accidents have long been an issue for people in crowded metropolitan areas, many of whom walk several blocks to work from parking garages or public transportation stops. New Jersey is no exception – fatal accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles increased 28 percent in 2014 from the previous year, according to the New Jersey State Police. Inattentive drivers, alcohol use and speed have been the most prevalent factors in New Jersey pedestrian crashes in recent years.
Recently, a tragic incident in Nevada made national news. Close to three dozen pedestrians were injured as a woman drove her car through crowds of people walking on the Las Vegas Strip less than a week before Christmas. Three of the victims were hospitalized in critical condition and one pedestrian actually died. Witnesses and authorities said it appeared the driver’s acts were intentional. There is a great deal of concern in Las Vegas about protecting pedestrians from motor vehicle traffic without making walkways feel restrictive. This issue may reflect the concerns of authorities in the areas throughout New Jersey that have a high pedestrian count.
While the majority of pedestrian accidents are purely accidental, rather than a deliberate attempt to harm others, the fact remains that they are usually devastating. In busy cities, pedestrians are often struck at intersections or while crossing the street. The darker winter months are particularly dangerous times for pedestrians. Pedestrians who are injured in accidents may be eligible to receive compensation and may wish to speak with a personal injury attorney.
Source: NBC News, “Lakeisha Holloway, 24, Suspect in Deadly Las Vegas Crash, Held Without Bond,” Elisha Fieldstadt and M. Alex Johnson, Dec. 22, 2015