People in New Jersey and throughout the country are more likely to survive being hit by a car as a pedestrian if they are young and the car is traveling slowly. According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, lowering the speed at which cars travel can significantly reduce pedestrian deaths. Above 20 mph, the changes of pedestrian deaths begin to multiply significantly. A person who is hit by a car going 30 mph is 70 percent likely to die than a person hit by a car going 25 mph.
Age is a factor as well, and pedestrian accidents that might be survivable by younger people can be more serious for older victims. If a 30-year-old is hit by a car traveling at 40 mph, there is a 36 percent chance that the injury will be fatal. If a 70-year-old is hit by a car going the same speed, the person has a 70 percent chance of dying.
Studies have also found that in addition to posting signs and lowering speed limits, the design of streets and intersections can affect how fast cars travel. One study found that for every three feet of added width, cars travel 9 mph faster.
The result of a pedestrian accident may be devastating injuriesbecause a person does not have the protective structure of a vehicle. Injuries could range from broken bones to paralysis or traumatic brain injury. An attorney may be helpful in obtaining sufficient compensation for a pedestrian who had the right of way from an insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the responsible driver if necessary.
