Pedestrian accident statistics indicate that Boston is a safe city for pedestrian travel. However the Boston Globe reported on pedestrian accident and pedestrian death statistics by statin,g “the Boston Police Department has refused for years to report most crashes — pedestrians, bikes, cars, and everything else — to the Registry of Motor Vehicles” Source
Massachusetts Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The City of Boston defends their practice by indicating that police filling out police reports concerning pedestrian car cash as well as trucks hitting pedestrians diverted the attention of officers from normal police duties. Pedestrian accident lawyers are probably dismayed at hearing this news because the more information concerning pedestrian safety in Boston, the better. “Boston police and Emergency Medical Services also say they are working with a recently formed task force to study pedestrian safety, using their internal crash data. The task force, which also includes advocates and city officials, met for the first time about a month ago.”
In a very tragic pedestrian- trucking accident in Massachusetts, a young woman was killed when a pickup truck hit her in Dedham.” A woman died after being hit by a pickup truck in Dedham, Dedham Deputy Fire Chief John Fontaine told Boston.com.” Boston The motorist who hit the pedestrian was taken to the hospital as a result of severe emotional distress. Authorities are investigating whether the sun’s glare may have caused this MA pedestrian crash. Pedestrian accidents can result from many different motorized and non-motorized vehicles including a motorcycle, semi-truck, suv, and automobile.
12-3-2020- “WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One person was killed in a pedestrian crash on Riverdale Street in West Springfield Thursday evening. The West Springfield Police Department said officers were called to the area of 76 Riverdale Street (Garden Street) to investigate the crash. The southbound section of East Elm Street and the North End Bridge Rotary were closed while the department’s Accident Reconstruction Team investigated the cause of the crash.” WWLP
“In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, and another 70,000 pedestrians were injured. This averages to one crash-related pedestrian death every 2 hours, and a pedestrian injury every 8 minutes. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.” CDC If you were injured in a pedestrian- car accident then it is important that you retain a Mass. pedestrian accident attorney.
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways, often involving collisions between pedestrians and vehicles or other obstacles. Here are some common types of pedestrian accidents:
- Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions: a. Crosswalk Accidents: Pedestrians may be hit by vehicles while legally crossing at marked crosswalks. b. Intersection Accidents: Collisions can occur when pedestrians are crossing streets at intersections, especially if drivers fail to yield or disobey traffic signals.
- Backing Up Accidents: a. Backing Out of Driveways or Parking Spaces: Pedestrians are at risk when drivers are backing up without noticing them.
- Left-Turn Accidents: a. Left-Turn at Intersections: Pedestrians in crosswalks may be struck by vehicles making left turns without proper attention.
- Right-Turn Accidents: a. Right-Turn on Red: Pedestrians may be hit when crossing the street while a vehicle is making a right turn on a red light.
- Reversing Accidents: a. Parking Lots: Pedestrians are vulnerable when walking behind or in front of vehicles in parking lots.
- Distracted Walking Accidents: a. Pedestrians using smartphones or other devices: Distractions can lead to accidents, as pedestrians may not be fully aware of their surroundings.
- Impaired Walking Accidents: a. Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Impaired judgment and coordination increase the risk of accidents.
- Speeding Accidents: a. Speeding Vehicles: High-speed collisions with pedestrians are more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: a. Pedestrians: Disregarding traffic signals or crossing streets against the signal can lead to accidents. b. Drivers: Running red lights or ignoring stop signs can result in collisions with pedestrians.
- Poor Visibility Accidents: a. Low Light Conditions: Accidents are more likely in low visibility conditions, such as at night or during adverse weather.
- Construction Zone Accidents: a. Pedestrians navigating construction areas: Construction zones can create hazards for pedestrians if not properly managed.
- School Zone Accidents: a. Children crossing near schools: School zones require extra caution due to the presence of children.
It’s crucial for both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of their surroundings, follow traffic rules, and exercise caution to prevent pedestrian accidents. Public awareness campaigns, proper infrastructure design, and law enforcement efforts can also contribute to reducing these accidents.