Walking has become one of the most popular forms of exercise for many people today. Whether a means of getting the dog out, a way to connect with neighbors or just providing the opportunity to move and enjoy some fresh air, walking is touted as contributing to better health. Unfortunately, it may also increase a person’s risk as they must navigate crosswalks and other interactions with vehicles.
Pedestrian deaths on the rise
The Governors Highway Safety Association reviewed data and found that more pedestrians were killed in 2018 than in nearly 30 years. The Verge explains that the proliferation of large vehicles like trucks and sport utility vehicles may well contribute to this deadly trend. When hit by taller vehicles, pedestrians may be injured in their critical organs more often than when hit by shorter vehicles.
New vehicle technology fails to protect pedestrians
Many new vehicles today come equipped with features designed to prevent accidents in part by detecting pedestrians or other objects and then automatically stopping a vehicle. AAA reviewed some models with these features only to find that they did not even work in half of the instances. Pedestrian dummies were hit by test vehicles in a minimum of 60% of tests and as many as 100% of tests. The study included situations in daylight and night hours.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but is instead meant to give residents in Georgia an overview of the limitations of some new safety features in vehicles as well as some of the unique risks pedestrians face on the road today.
