Pedestrian Accidents: Highest Number of Deaths Recorded in 40+ Years

Last year, the United States witnessed an alarming spike in pedestrian fatalities, reaching the highest number in over four decades, as revealed by the latest annual study on pedestrian deaths conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The introduction to the pedestrian fatality report for 2022 highlights this troubling trend, which has been taking place now for several decades.

Amid this nationwide pattern, Nevada faces its share of challenges, with pedestrian accidents remaining a cause for concern, particularly in the bustling city of Las Vegas. A substantial portion of pedestrian deaths statewide occurs within the confines of Las Vegas every year, raising serious concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.

Pedestrian deaths soar to record high

Annually, the GHSA conducts a comprehensive study titled "Pedestrian Accident Fatalities By State," which examines pedestrian fatalities both nationwide and in individual states. This critical analysis is based on data meticulously collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The results of the 2022 study revealed that 7,508 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents across the country last year, marking the highest toll since 1981. Likewise, pedestrian fatalities have surged by 77 percent over the past decade, with a 19 percent increase observed between 2019 and 2022.

The gravity of these statistics is underscored by Jonathan Adkins, chief executive officer of the GHSA, who expressed the devastating reality that "every day, 20 people go for a walk and do not return home." The victims of these tragic accidents were ordinary individuals going about their daily lives, only to meet sudden and violent ends.

How bad are pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas?

The GHSA study revealed a concerning trend in Nevada's pedestrian accidents, with 90 fatalities recorded last year. This marked a 7.1 percent increase compared to 2021, where 84 pedestrians died in accidents. Unfortunately, the statistics from the past decade paint an even graver picture, showing a staggering 63 percent rise in pedestrian deaths statewide from 2012 to 2022, according to data collected by the NHTSA.

The epicenter of this alarming situation lies within Las Vegas, where most pedestrian deaths in Nevada occur. Out of the 90 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 across the state, a staggering 72 occurred in Clark County, encompassing Las Vegas, as reported by 8 News Now. The concentration of these tragic incidents in a single urban area highlights the need for urgent measures to enhance pedestrian safety in the region.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents often occur because the driver was behaving in a reckless or negligent manner. Specifically, the most common reasons why drivers cause pedestrian accidents include:

Drunk drivers, who cause an estimated 19 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Speeding drivers, who cause more than 8 percent of deadly pedestrian crashes.
Distracted drivers, especially texting drivers, even though it's against the law in Nevada and many other states.

Best ways to prevent pedestrian fatalities

The GHSA offered several specific solutions to eliminating pedestrian accidents:

Install more streetlights at crosswalks and intersections where pedestrian accidents often occur in high numbers.
Increase police enforcement of speeding, drunk driving, and texting while driving.
Lower the speed limits in high pedestrian traffic areas.
Change how roads are designed to ensure pedestrian safety is a priority.
Emphasize pedestrian safety more in driver education courses, especially driver ed courses for younger, newer drivers.

"We all share responsibility for keeping people on foot safe," the GHSA says in its recent report.

Why should I hire a pedestrian accident attorney?

A claim involving a pedestrian accident might seem straightforward. A driver hit you or a loved one with their car, and the at-fault driver is responsible for the injuries sustained, right? Unfortunately, many pedestrian accident claims become complicated legal cases.

Insurance companies involved in pedestrian accident claims often seek to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. They might use various tactics to downplay the severity of injuries or shift blame onto the pedestrian. When this happens, it's critical that you have an experienced legal team on your side looking out for your best interests.

At Lasso Injury Law LLC, we have extensive experience investigating such cases and know what evidence to look for. Our team is skilled in negotiating effectively with insurance companies or taking them on in court, ensuring that your rights are vigorously protected throughout the entire process.

Get the Las Vegas law firm that gets results. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to see how we can help you.