North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

A recent pedestrian accident in Asheville left an out-of-town man suffering from some serious, life-threatening injuries. The man, from Raleigh, was walking along Haywood Street right by North French Broad Avenue when he was struck by a passing pickup truck. According to the Citizen-Times, the accident happened just before 3:00 p.m.

After the collision, the visiting man was taken to Mission Hospital and was later admitted into the intensive care unit. No charges have been filed against the driver involved in the accident.

Our Asheville pedestrian accident lawyers understand that these kinds of accidents are much more likely during this time of the year. As we head into the heart of May, the weather is warming up, kids will be let out of school and residents, as well as visitors, will be spending more time outdoors. With all of these factors lining up, risks for pedestrian accidents skyrocket. More and more people will be hitting our roadways for some fun, some exercise and some time spent in the sun. It's what we wait for all year. It's important though, that we make this time of year the safest ever. We need to keep our mind on safety above all else. Walkers, joggers and bikers are urged to be extremely cautious when walking near our roadways and when walking near motor vehicle traffic. One false move can return deadly results.

Luckily, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is here to offer residents and visitors with some important safety tips for those who choose to walk around the state. Walking is a simple, easy, convenient and cost-effective way to get to many of the local attractions. It helps to keep us in shape, it helps to cut down on traffic congestion and it helps to save some money. Review the following tips and share them with your loved ones to help keep everyone safe this summer.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Try to walk in areas that have sidewalks or separate path that are away from traffic.

-If you can't walk on a sidewalk or a pathway, walk as far from moving vehicles as possible and walk facing oncoming traffic.

-Limit the number of times you cross the road if possible.

-Avoid walking near busy or fast-traveling roadways.

-Always know your surroundings. You're urged to even keep an eye out for drivers in parked cars that may be getting ready to move.

-Obey all traffic signs and signals just as you would if you were in a car.

-Always cross the street using a crosswalk or at an intersection.

-Always look left, right and left again before crossing the street.

-Make eye contact with drivers before attempting to cross the road.

-Always walk, never run, across the street.

-Keep looking for traffic in all directions as you cross the road.

-Wear bright-colored clothing to help make yourself more visible to motorists.

-Avoid walking at night. Bring a flashlight if you must.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accident in Asheville Seriously Injures Raleigh Man" »

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol a recent fatal pedestrian accident in Spartanburg left officials on the hunt for a hit-and-run driver. The accident happened just minutes before 12:30 a.m. on North Blackstock Road, in front of Fairforest Middle School. Police officials believe the vehicle involved in the fatal accident was medium-sized and either blue or green.

Spartanburg County Coroner Dwayne Corn says the victim was a 26-year-old man who died at the scene. The male pedestrian was only a mile away from his home when it happened, according to FOX Carolina.

Our Spartanburg pedestrian accident attorneys understand pedestrians face some dangerous risks when walking along our busy South Carolina roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related accidents in the U.S. in 2009. In additions to these fatalities, there were another 60,000 pedestrians injured in these types of accidents. South Carolina accounted for nearly 100 of these pedestrian fatalities over the year. We understand that walking is environmentally friendly and a fun way to get some exercise, but pedestrians are warned to be cautious when traveling alongside motor vehicles.

To help to keep pedestrians safe along roadways throughout the state, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is here to offer you some safe pedestrian travel tips. Please review these following safety tips and to share them with your friends and family members to help to make our roadways safer for everyone.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

-Whenever there's a sidewalk, use it! If there isn't a sidewalk for you to use, walk on the edge of the roadway. Do so on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

-Use pedestrian bridges whenever they are available.

-Be sure you always use an intersection or a crosswalk to cross the street. Pedestrians are most often hit by vehicles when they cross the road at places other than at an intersection.

-Before stepping onto the roadway to cross, be sure to look left, right and back left again before proceeding.

-See and be seen. Make sure drivers know where you are!

-Wait for the appropriate cross signals and traffic lights before crossing the street.

-Keep out of drivers' blind spots.

-Be sure that you make eye contact with a driver before trying to cross the road. You want to make sure that they see you.

-Wear brightly-colored clothing.

-Carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape when traveling after dark.

-Never let children play near traffic without supervision.

-Avoid drinking alcohol and walking. Just as booze can hinder your ability to drive, it can also hinder your ability to walk safely.

Continue reading "Driver Kills Pedestrian in Hit-and-Run Driver Traffic Accident in Spartanburg" »

January has been a deadly month on the roadways of South Carolina. According to The State, there have already been 47 people killed in car accidents in Spartanburg and elsewhere throughout the state. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Richland County has reported the most deaths so far with eight. Lexington County ranked in at number three with five traffic-related fatalities. Most of the victims were residents of South Carolina, but many others were from Virginia and North Carolina.

"It's the same thing over and over and over," said Richland County Trooper Brian Kelly. "It's the drinking and driving, no seat belts, the speeding."

Our South Carolina car accident lawyers understand that officers have grown weary of the irresponsible driving habits of those in the state. Earlier in the month, Lexington County Sheriff James Metts held a news conference to discuss the latest trend in fatal traffic accidents. Throughout the conference he waived his fist in the air and shouted "Enough is enough!" He announced that State Highway Patrol officers will be increasing their enforcement efforts in the coming months and throughout the year to help to reduce the number of fatal accidents. Within these enforcement efforts is a plan for officer to stop pedestrians who they believe are endangering themselves on our roadways.

Just last week, there were four people killed during an accident in Columbia on George Rogers Boulevard.

The trend continued throughout the weekend, losing the lives of six people on our roadways. Two of the fatalities were pedestrians and one was a moped rider. The other three killed over the weekend were motorists who were not wearing a seat belt.

Additionally, there were 35 people killed in accidents across the state so far in January while riding in trucks and cars. More than half of the fatalities in these accidents were victims who were not wearing a seat belt. The rest were bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Kelly says that we are seeing more pedestrian accidents because of the struggling economy - people can't afford to drive cars like they used to. Kelly asks motorists to keep an eye out for pedestrians and travelers using other non-traditions modes of transportation. Pay attention, he adds.

According to 2005 statistics from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety:

-Someone is killed in a traffic-related accident in the state every 8 hours.

-Someone is injured every on our roadways 10.6 minutes.

-Alcohol-related traffic accidents injure or kill someone every 2 hours.

-Traffic accidents involving a teenage driver injure or kill someone every 1.2 hours.

-A bicyclist is killed every 21 and a half days.

-A motorcyclist is killed every 3.9 days.

-A pedestrian is killed every 3.7 days.

-There is a traffic accident every 4.7 minutes.

If we don't start paying more attention and practicing safer driving habits on our state's roadways, these statistics are sure to get much worse. The number of fatalities is increasing significantly already in 2012. Start now and make a change for safer roadways by being more careful and cautious while traveling.

Continue reading "Officers: January Car Accidents in South Carolina Alarming" »

Two recent pedestrian accidents in North Carolina are garnering the attention of city residents, Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) officials, city council members and law enforcement officers. It's agreed: more needs to be done to make the intersection of South College Street at East Stonewall safer for pedestrians, according to WSOCTV.

"I think we need to have an awareness campaign of some sort to make sure they know what's going on as it relates to pedestrian rights," said Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon.

Our Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyers understand that pedestrian safety is a top concern among those in the city. Mayor Cannon says he is in complete and utter disbelief that drivers in Uptown have such disregard for pedestrians and their right-of-way at these crossings. He says that the intersections need to be examined and more needs to be done to increase the safety of pedestrians in the city.

The first accident happened as a pedestrian attempted to cross Stonewall at roughly 7 a.m. and was hit by a passing vehicle. The second accident happened as a 47-year-old attempted to cross at the same intersection and was struck by a dump truck.

Officials with CDOT say that one of their top priorities is to address the dangers for with pedestrians crossing this intersection. Transportation officials and the city's manager's office are all on board in saying they need to learn out why these accidents happen. They will then use the findings to create a solution to make it safer for everyone.

CMPD Captain Jeff Estes says one accident is too many, one fatality is too many and something needs to be done. He says he is looking forward to working with CDOT to make the necessary changes.

According to The University of North Carolina, there are about 2,200 police-reported pedestrian accidents in the state every year. Some suggest this number is actually higher, as some incidents are never even reported. Of the 2,200 accidents, it's estimated that nearly 200 are killed and another 500 are injured every year.

Drivers are asked to be cautious near this dangerous intersection and elsewhere throughout the state. To help to reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents, The University of North Carolina is here to offer some safety tips for drivers to keep our foot travelers safe.

Driver Safety Tips to Protect Pedestrians:

-Assume that pedestrians are everywhere, even in spots they're not likely to be. This will help you to stay on guard at all times.

-Remember that pedestrians can be difficult to see, especially at night or in bad weather. Always keep a close eye out.

-When approaching a crosswalk, drive slowly and be ready to stop.

-Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, even when the crosswalk is not marked.

-Never pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian.

-Be extra cautious when driving through neighborhoods and school zones.

Continue reading "Two Pedestrian Accidents in Charlotte Drawing City's Attention" »

When we think of traffic accidents, most of us think of car accidents. But Carolina bicycle accidents and pedestrian accident in Charlotte and elsewhere are a real threat. These accidents often lead to very serious injuries and account for a substantial portion of fatal traffic accidents each year.

Our Charlotte personal injury lawyers encourage you to make traffic safety a dinner-table conversation as we enter 2012 and to resolve to become a better driver. In most cases, the law gives the right-of-way to bicyclists and pedestrians; consequently, motorists are most often found at fault in these accidents.

Twenty-seven cyclists were killed in accidents in North and South Carolina in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. North Carolina pedestrian accident claimed 146 lives that year while South Carolina pedestrian accidents killed 89.

And, while there has been a nationwide reduction in the overall number of traffic fatalities, reducing bicycle and pedestrian accidents has been an ongoing struggle. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported in late December that 32,885 motorists died on the nation's roads in 2010 -- the lowest number since 1949.

However, the number of pedestrians killed actually increased, from 4,109 to 4,280. And another 618 were killed in bicycle accidents. More than 120,000 bicyclists and pedestrians suffered serious injury.

When it comes to pedestrian accidents, kids and older adults are most at risk. The trend in bicycle accidents however, has been a significant increase in the number of middle-aged men who are killed. With the rising popularity of cycling for recreation and fitness, the average age of males who are killed or injured in a bicycle accident has risen to the 30s and 40s.

Highlighting the need for kids to wear bicycle helmets, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reports the Raleigh Boys and Girls Club passed out more than 50 bicycle helmets at a recent event. The helmet initiative has passed out thousands of helmets to children and is funded through the "Share our Road" specialty license plate. Twenty dollars from each sale goes to the initiative.

North Carolina law requires children under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. Statistics show that a rider wearing a helmet is 85 percent less likely to be seriously injured.

Guidelines for requesting helmets:

-Must be a government agency.

-Maximum of 24 helmets per year may be requested.

-Helmets are for distribution to underprivileged children.

-Helmets are not for personal use and may not be sold.

When it comes to preventing bicycle and pedestrian accidents in the Carolina, much is in the hands of motorists. Failure to yield is a leading cause, particularly when a vehicle is turning at an intersection or exiting a private drive. Do your part in 2012. Share the Road. And help reduce the risks for the most vulnerable travelers among us.

Continue reading "Resolve to Reduce Carolina Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in 2012" »

Our Asheville personal injury lawyers know that the holidays are a dangerous time of year for motorists because roadways become more congested with vehicles, distracted drivers and drivers under the influence. But they are equally as dangerous for pedestrians who are traveling by foot. People getting around by foot need to pay close attention to speeding or distracted motorists in order to avoid a pedestrian accident in Charlotte, Greensboro or elsewhere in the state.

Several recent pedestrian accidents keep us mindful of just how dangerous roadways can be this time of year. GlenEllynPatch.com reports of one pedestrian who was struck and killed by a car at an intersection in Wheaton. During early morning hours, a pedestrian was walking along Knollwood Drive when a vehicle driving along Geneva Road hit him as he was crossing an intersection. The accident is still under investigation but police officials reported that the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The-Dispatch.com reports of a separate incident that left two pedestrians dead after a car struck them and left the scene of the accident. The two pedestrians were allegedly having an argument when they got out of their vehicle on U.S. Highway 52. A motorist struck the couple and kept on driving while a second and third vehicle ran them over after they lay in the middle of the road. The second driver stopped and reported the accident. The two pedestrians were not able to be saved after having contact with three separate vehicles involved in the accident.

The Highway Safety Research Center reports that there are approximately 2,200 pedestrians struck by vehicles in police-reported crashes every year. Of these, roughly 150 to 200 are killed and another 500 are seriously injured from the collision. In a study looking at data from 2005-2009, researchers found that pedestrians failing to yield were the top cause of pedestrian crashes during this period, reporting a total of 1,756. The next leading cause or crash type were parking lot or off-roadway accidents which killed 1,091 North Carolina pedestrians from 2005-2009.

As pedestrians head out to do some last minute shopping or walk around town to see storefront holiday displays or parades, be mindful of the following safety reminders to avoid a pedestrian accident this holiday season:

-Nighttime falls sooner this time of year so keep a flash light handy to help avoid a trip and fall accident.

-Look both ways before you cross the street. Always use a crosswalk rather than dashing out into the street at mid-block.

-Don't become overloaded with too many shopping bags or gift items. Carrying excessive bags or cargo can deter you from seeing clearly or making it across the street safely if something falls from your arms.

-Try to shop with friends rather than walking to stores alone, especially in dark parking lots or isolated side streets.

-Join in the spirit of the holiday season by dressing in bright and easy to see clothing.

-Avoid walking on sidewalks or walkways that are icy or snow covered.

Pedestrians should use extra caution around motorists or other roadways users to avoid a collision that can lead to a serious injury during the holidays. Staying alert can help pedestrians to enjoy the season and spend the holidays with family and friends safely.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Safety Around the Holidays Can Reduce the Risk of Accidents in Charlotte, Elsewhere" »

Charlotte pedestrian accidents are on the rise despite city efforts to reduce the risk of injury while crossing the street, according to a recent article in Fox Charlotte.

There have been almost 300 pedestrians involved in accidents this year, but our rail accident lawyers in Greensboro, Charlotte and elsewhere know that crossing the street isn't the only danger a pedestrian faces. Some pedestrians can be injured while waiting for a train or crossing over a track platform to catch a train approaching from the other side.

The city of Charlotte has taken several steps to bolster pedestrian safety throughout the city. More than 500 pedestrian countdown signals have been installed, sidewalks are being widened, ramps have been installed for wheelchair access, and busy streets have been geared for bicycle and pedestrian use by minimizing the amount of normal car traffic traveled on them.

What hasn't been done to enhance pedestrian safety however is to provide protection or reduce the chance of injuries sustained while waiting for a train. The Charlotte Observer reports that a recent close call at the Scaleybark Road train station has many concerned about pedestrians waiting on a train platform or attempting to cross over to the other side. A Charlotte man was lucky to survive after being struck by the 92,000 pound rail. It is the second accident in three months at this particular train station. Many pedestrians are at risk at this station because there are three lanes to contend with: two for vehicles and one for trains, which splits the roadway for about half-a-mile stretch.

Since 2007, the Charlotte Area Transit System reports nearly a dozen rail accidents at the Scaleybark Station. The two most recent accidents were non-fatal but not everyone in recent history has been that lucky. A train traveling at 55-mph requires approximately 600 yards to stop in order to avoid a collision. Pedestrians struck by a moving train have very little chance of survival in most cases.

There are some things that pedestrians should try to keep in mind while waiting on a train platform or trying to cross to the other side. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority offers these transit safety tips:

-Avoid using IPods, portable radios, cell phones or other devices that can make you become distracted. Listening to music or talking on a cell phone diverts your attention from an approaching train.

-Be aware of your surroundings. This includes people, trains or anything else that is going on around you.

-Always stand behind the yellow line until the train approaches, stops and indicates it is safe to step on.

-Familiarize yourself with the train schedule so you can allow plenty of time to purchase a ticket or cross safely to the other side. If you are running late, wait for the next scheduled stop rather than risk being struck by a rail scheduled to leave the station.

-Expect delays or early arrivals for scheduled train stops.

-Avoid wearing long coats or loose clothing that can become lodged in a train's doors or tracks.

Continue reading "Recent Charlotte Rail Accidents Raise Concern for Pedestrian Safety on Train Platforms" »

A recent drunk driving accident in Charlotte that cost a pedestrian her life has caused quite a stir with local business establishments and members of the community.

WSOCTV reports a woman was hit by a drunk driver in an SUV as she was crossing the street. A witness reported the young woman had made it across safely but was hit when she turned around. Local merchants are petitioning the city to have a crosswalk put in at the intersection because it is so difficult to get across safely with the heavy flow of traffic.

The closest nearby crosswalk to the scene of the accident is nearly a block away. The alleged drunk driver who is charged with causing the accident was arrested on counts of DWI, felony involuntary manslaughter and a violation for license restriction.

Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers know that the holidays are fast approaching which is cause for celebration but please be responsible by choosing not to drive under the influence. We hope for the safety of all roadway users to keep drunk drivers off the streets so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable holiday season this year.

WCNC reports that neighbors within the community are also expressing their concern about the dangerous but popular party spot. Though the pedestrian accident was a tragedy, members of the community fear it will happen again. One posed problem is the convenience of parking near bars and restaurants in the area.

A merchant parking lot is located nearby which requires crossing the street with no crosswalk as opposed to parking up on the corner which would require using three crosswalks to get to the same popular bar and restaurant area.

Several neighbors spoke of previous near-misses which are good indicators that this is a dangerous area waiting for more accidents to happen. The last accident at this spot occurred in August 2010 when three pedestrians were hit by a drunk driver but no one was killed.

In the news since the accident is a bar owner taking matters into his own hands by launching an online petition to get safety features added in front of his business where the pedestrian was killed. The Charlotte Observer reports the owner of Jackelope Jack's has petitioned the city to install flashing lights and speed limit curfews.

The victim was a regular patron at the establishment and had left there right before the accident occurred. The owner stated that Jackelope Jack's would contribute financially to installing the requested safety measures to help keep patrons safe as they head home.

The transportation department in Charlotte is waiting for police to complete their investigation before they send out a team for a field investigation. An investigative team will then conduct an engineering study to see what measures can be taken to improve pedestrian safety.

Drunk drivers kill more than 10,000 people annually. Don't let this year end in tragedy by getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Be responsible for your own actions and don't let friends drive drunk.

Continue reading "31 Year-Old Charlotte Pedestrian Killed by Drunk Driver While Crossing the Street" »

Technological devices are continuing to make our nation's roadways unsafe, but are the devices more to blame than the actual drivers? Motorists have a choice of whether to let items inside the car distract them while they drive. It seems most drivers are making the wrong choice, which is why the number of distracted driving car accidents in Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem continue to rise.

WXII reports that devices like the tablet PC, smart phones and MP3 players are so widespread and appeal to so many users that it has caused a fatal trend for drivers and pedestrians in North Carolina. In fact, the Governor's Highway Safety Association reports that North Carolina showed the fourth biggest increase of all 50 states in pedestrian fatalities over a four-year period, likely due to distractions caused by mobile technology.

Our state bans young drivers and bus drivers from using a cell phone while behind the wheel and prohibits all drivers from internet use, texting or emailing while driving. We even posted on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog recently that truck drivers can look forward to a nationwide cell phone ban if the government takes the recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board seriously.

Proposed House Bill 44 would have prohibited drivers from using a handheld device in the car if a subcommittee hadn't given a negative response during the General Assembly's 2011 session. Legislation posed towards distracted pedestrians has yet to be addressed.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, October 2-8 is Heads-up Driving Week. Throughout the week, motorists are asked to eliminate multi-tasking and just focus on driving without any distractions in an effort to improve highway safety for everyone. Distracted driving is the cause of approximately 8,000 car accidents daily, according to recent statistics.

Tasks like changing the radio station, eating, talking to a passenger, smoking, rubbernecking and cell phone-related activities are the most common distractions. When drivers try to multi-task with several of these behaviors at the same time it makes driving particularly dangerous.

Recent surveys from American drivers have shown overwhelming support for texting and cell phone bans becoming a state law. Over 90 percent of respondents agree that texting is dangerous and unacceptable behavior and yet a third of the respondents admit to texting in the last month. Driver attitude is one of the biggest obstacles that safety advocates continue to try to change. Many drivers fail to practice what they preach when they go about their business with a "do as I say, not as I do" attitude. Unfortunately, this puts many motorists at severe risk of injury when this attitude is portrayed on our roadways.

Be the first to make a difference by taking the distraction-free pledge. Make a commitment to talk to others about the dangers of getting distracted while driving and refrain from multi-tasking every time you get behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Technology + Driving = Distracted Driving Accidents in Charlotte" »

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is asking all pedestrians to hang up the phone, to stop playing hand-held games and to turn down the music on their headphones as officials report seeing an increased number of pedestrian accidents in Asheville and elsewhere throughout the state.

As mobile technology continues to increase, so do the number of accidents related to distractions. Officials aren't just witnessing drivers engage in the dangerous behavior anymore.

Our Greensboro pedestrian accident attorneys understand that these distractions have the ability to put pedestrians in extremely risky situations on our roadways. Distractions reduce a person's ability to react to a traffic hazard. When a speeding car is passing by, every second counts. In an attempt to reduce the risks of pedestrian accidents nationwide, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety collected and examined pedestrian accident reports. This study concluded that one of the most influential factors in the outcome of a pedestrian-car accident is the speed of the vehicle at the time of impact. Distractions delay a pedestrian's ability to react and potentially to avoid a collision.

NCDOT reminds pedestrians that paying attention to traffic while crossing the street is extremely important. Pedestrians should use their eyes and ears when crossing.

"The common use of electronic devices by...is distracting and extremely dangerous," said Kumar Trivedi, interim director of NCDOT's Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation.

The Foundation collected accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Automotive Sampling System (NASS). AAA focused on the cause and concluded that one of the most common factors in the outcome of an accident was a vehicle's speed. The faster a car is traveling at the time of the collision, the higher a pedestrian's risk for serious injury or death.

A pedestrian that was hit by a vehicle that was traveling at a speed of 30 miles per hour had a 50 percent chance of being seriously injured. A pedestrian that was hit by a vehicle that was traveling at 42 miles per hour only had a 50 percent chance of surviving. These risks fluctuate alongside the fluctuation in speed.

To help reduce the risks of injury and death for pedestrians involved in traffic accidents, AAA suggests the following to transportation officials:

-Lower speed limits in regions with large pedestrian populations.

-Construct a physical barrier to separate pedestrians and motor vehicles in areas where speedy traffic flow is needed.

-Urge technicians to design more efficient vehicle-based pedestrian-detection systems that can warn drivers or brake automatically when a collision may occur.

Motorists are asked to travel with extreme cautious. Safe and alert driving habits may be the only factor that is more beneficial that any technology-based change. Driver alertness lies within you. A life can be lost on our roadways with one bad decision.

Continue reading "NCDOT and AAA Team Up to Shine Light on North Carolina Pedestrian Accidents" »

We frequently post about the dangers of distracted driving accidents on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog but what about the danger of distracted pedestrian accidents in Asheville, Greensboro or Charlotte?

Gastonia injury attorneys know that pedestrians are at considerable risk of getting hit by a distracted driver while crossing a busy street but the odds become even greater if the pedestrian becomes distracted by an IPod, IPhone or other mobile device.

The News & Observer reports that pedestrians who are talking on the phone, texting or listening to music while crossing the street are putting themselves in danger of not being able to see or hear their surroundings.

North Carolina reports approximately 2,500 car accidents involving pedestrians being hit happen every year. On average, more than 400 pedestrians are either killed or injured severely in North Carolina pedestrian accidents annually. Though alcohol seems to be a cause in 12 percent of these accidents, distraction is likely another leading cause of walkers being struck by a vehicle.

To this point, most of the distraction-related studies and research has been geared towards driving, but there is a need for more data on distracted pedestrians.

U.S. News & World Report states that a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has a growing number of small labs in which scientists can study pedestrian behavior. The labs are designed to have three screens set up in a semi-circle which show traffic amongst a street scene and the sound effects of road traffic is generated through speakers, creating a virtual effect.

College student volunteers for the study were asked to cross an intersection 10 times each, some with distractions and some without. The results indicated that texters failed to reach the other side 25 percent of the time, cell phone users didn't make it across 12 percent of the time and those with no distractions only failed to cross to the other side 6 percent of the time. Participants listening to music while they tried to cross were crushed by virtually simulated cars traveling at 30 mph on a two-lane road once in every three attempts.

A fault of the study was that pedestrians couldn't speed up and cars couldn't slow down to avoid a collision which likely happens in real-life scenarios. What can be taken from the study, though, is that pedestrians need to be able to see and hear in order to detect a problematic situation in the environment. By having ear plugs in your ears or looking at a phone screen, a pedestrian may not hear or see a potentially dangerous situation that could be avoided if their focus was on the roadway and traffic.

Cell phones and iPods are not the only forms of distraction that can make crossing a street dangerous. Arrive Alive offers these distracting behaviors:

-Looking at a watch to determine the time.
-Swatting at an insect.
-Conversing with a fellow pedestrian.
-Reading an article in a magazine or book.
-Daydreaming.
-Sifting through a purse or backpack to find something.
-Eating a sandwich or salad while you walk.

These behaviors should be avoided if you want to reduce the risk of injury while crossing the street in North Carolina.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Distraction Can Lead to High Risk of Accidents Involving Cars in Asheville" »

Topic two of our "Back to School Safety" series is bicycling and pedestrian safety. Many parents rely on a school buses to transport their children to school but there are some children close enough in proximity to walk or ride a bike to school. Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are a leading cause ofchild injury in North Carolina throughout the fall season.

Other topics in our series include avoiding school-related accidents on the playground, North Carolina's Safe Routes to School Program and tips for teen driver.

Free spirits and carefree attitudes often put innocent young children at risk of accidents; our Greensboro injury lawyers hope that parents take a few minutes to go over some reminders and establish some ground rules as school returns to session.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2008, one out of every five children ages 5 to 9 years-old killed by a car was not a passenger in the car but rather a pedestrian involved in the accident.

In 2001, 59 percent of all emergency room visits following a bicycle accident were children under the age of 16.

There is an obvious health benefit to encouraging children to walk or ride a bike to school so we by no means want to discourage them from this behavior. It is important to review some safety precautions so that children can stay safe while getting the recommended amount of exercise each day. The National Safety Council offers these tips to parents and young children:

Bike to school tips:
-Wear protective equipment to reduce injuries in a collision.

-Take your child out to an empty parking lot or side street with no traffic to practice riding. The more experience they have, the more confident they will be which will result in less likeliness of an accident.

-Accompany your child if they need to ride in the dark. Make sure they wear bright clothes, have reflectors on their bike and clothing and place a light on the front of the bike to serve as a headlight.

-Educate your child on the rules of the road like when to stop, when to yield, when to merge and which direction to ride.

-Acknowledge that a driver sees you before you attempt to cross a street.

Walk to school tips:
-Avoid walking in the road next to cars when sidewalks are available.

-Hold your child's hand as you walk across the street. Teach them to look left, look right, and then left again before crossing.

-Encourage your child to walk with friends rather than walking alone.

-Contact the school system if there are no crossing guards or patrolmen at busy intersections in your neighborhood.

-Teach your children to never dash out in front of a moving vehicle, especially from behind a parked car where the driver can't see them.

-Never assume a vehicle will stop as you cross the street using a crosswalk. Be alert for moving vehicles.

Children of all ages can benefit from reviewing safety tips. Before each school year, check off items from the Back-to-School Checklist to ensure your children are aware of the do's and don'ts for getting to school safely.

Continue reading "Back to School: Carolina Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents a Danger in Greensboro, elsewhere" »

A recent fatal accident involving a drunk driver and a pedestrian in North Charlotte has our car accident lawyers in Charlotte reminding pedestrians to use extra caution as you cross the street to avoid being hit, especially by a driver who is too impaired to see you.

WBTV reports the tragedy occurred at the intersection of North Tyron Street near Guy E. Suddreth Avenue. Local police officials report the female pedestrian in her mid-50's stepped off the curb while attempting to cross the street and was hit by an impaired driver driving a Honda Accord.

The driver left the scene, stopped at a nearby parking lot and then returned to the location of the accident. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead within hours of the tragic event. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police placed the driver under immediate arrest after conducting a field sobriety test, which indicated the driver was impaired. The driver is being charged with involuntary manslaughter, driving while impaired, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 146 fatal pedestrian accidents in North Carolina in 2009. Another 363 deaths occurred in North Carolina in 2009 because of an impaired driver getting behind the wheel. North Carolina averaged 163 pedestrian fatalities and 427 alcohol-related deaths over the course of five years from 2005-2009.

Pedestrians are at considerable risk of injury because they are completely exposed and have very little time to react to a moving vehicle right before an accident takes place. Collisions can happen so quickly but result in a lifetime of medical costs and changes in lifestyle. Sharing roadways safely becomes a necessity because many people use walking as a means of transportation, as a means to become healthier or for pure enjoyment.

The University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center offers the following simple tips for pedestrians:

• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into city streets or roadways.


• Avoid crossing multiple lanes whenever possible, especially on busier, faster paced streets and highways.


• Never walk in the road if sidewalks are available.


• Avoid walking in dark clothes late at night.


• Call for a cab or a ride if you have been drinking. Walking while intoxicated is dangerous.


• Motorists should:


• Look for hidden pedestrians that may be stepping out from behind or inside a car.


• If a vehicle is stopped for a pedestrian, don't be impatient by choosing to speed around them rather than wait.


• Slow your rate of speed in neighborhoods or near schools and parks.


• Never drive under the influence - you have so many other options available.


• When waiting to make a left or right turn, double check there are no pedestrians in the vicinity before turning.

Continue reading "Pedestrians in Charlotte at Risk of Being Struck by Alcohol Impaired Drivers" »

Some of America's leading traffic safety organizations, members of Congress, and the United Nations are teaming up to declare "The Decade of Action" throughout the month of May according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. May 11, 2011 was the official kick-off as we posted previously on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog but the entire month of May will be spent advocating for traffic safety throughout the United States.

The launch of the 10-year international "Decade of Action" campaign coincides with National Youth Traffic Safety Month and the release of Safe Routes to School - Noteworthy Practices Guide. Our car accident lawyers in Winston-Salem know that child safety is a priority for North Carolina parents so designing efficient programs which involve walking and biking is an important part of keeping them free from danger on their way to school and other summer activities.

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is meant to get children active while promoting safety on city streets and sidewalks within different communities throughout the state. There are four target areas in the program:

-Safety: Aims to reduce speeds in school zones, build and design safer sidewalks and bike paths, educate kids and parents about pedestrian and bicycle safety.

-Health: Aims to get children active for 60 minutes a day, energized and ready to learn at school and take an active role in being healthy.

-Community: Aims to build friendships within the neighborhood, promote safe driving around schools, and enhance parent and adult involvement at school and within the community.

-Choice: Opts to choose walking or bicycling over driving to school to promote less traffic, a more eco- friendly environment, and more energetic lifestyles.

"Like so many state transportation programs, there is no single, preferred way to a conduct a SRTS program," said Barbara Harsha, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association. "The benefit of the guide is that it documents many different and creative approaches to SRTS implementation and provides valuable insights and resources for state SRTS coordinators and others."

The North Carolina SRTS Partnership strives towards changing the habits of an entire generation through the help of North Carolina Department of Transportation and Transportation Mobility and Safe Division. The SRTS program has been federally funded and gained over $15.5 million during the period of 2005-2009.

For more information about who to contact in North Carolina for the SRTS program, click here to view coordinator information.

Getting children more active and maintaining healthier lifestyles is something all parents want for their kids. Keep our youth safe by slowing down and being extra cautious on roadways where young children may be present.

Continue reading "Youth safety programs aimed at reducing Winston-Salem car accidents involving child pedestrians or bicyclists" »

The The Daily Reporter reports there have been a total of 9 pedestrians who have been killed during the first quarter of 2011 in Richland and Lexington counties. These two counties alone account for a third of all pedestrian accidents in South Carolina for the entire year.

Our personal injury attorneys in Anderson, Spartanburg, and Greenville continually report about the dangers pedestrians can face if they or the driver become distracted when using the same busy streets and roadways. Spring is here so motorists can almost guarantee to start seeing more kids walking to school or joggers hitting the streets to lose the 'winter 10' they may have gained over the colder weather months.

The Herald Online suggests that one reason for the dramatic increase in pedestrian fatalities is the grueling economy. Law enforcement and safety officials are concerned due to the fact that South Carolina was one of a few states that reported fewer pedestrian-related accidents and deaths last year according to the South Carolina Traffic Fatality Report for 2010 provided by the Department of Transportation.

From 2007 to 2009, South Carolina's major hospitals reported $65.6 million in medical bills related to injuries in pedestrian accidents. Over the course of three years, this averaged out to almost $16,000 per pedestrian.

There really is no demographic for what type of pedestrian is most likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident. The deaths this year ranged from a young woman to an 87 year-old male. Jaywalking, careless behavior, drugs and alcohol have been known factors related to the death of 9 of the 25 pedestrians killed in South Carolina for 2011.

As pedestrians head out this spring to take advantage of the warmer weather, the Highway Safety Research Center at the University of North Carolina offers the following safety tips to joggers and young children:

-Make yourself visible by wearing bright clothes or pedestrian safety vests that light up in the dark. When possible, refrain from walking or jogging during poorly lit conditions or inclement weather when it is hard to be seen.

-Only cross or enter a street where it is legal, these areas are often marked by signs or street markings on the pavement.

-Always face road traffic, especially when there are no sidewalks. When possible, only select a route with sidewalks or designated walk areas.

-Don't become too trusting of drivers. Make sure you make eye contact or a body gesture before entering into a street.

-Refrain from crossing on multiple lane roadways or streets with congested high-paced traffic.

Continue reading "Drivers Urged to Exercise Caution to Decrease Risks of Carolina Pedestrian Accidents" »