Reducing the Risks of Pedestrian Accidents

As of early November 2017, 19 pedestrians were fatally injured in Nashville, making it the deadliest year on record for pedestrian accidents in Music City. In response, Walk Bike Nashville partnered with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to help make streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks safer for pedestrians throughout the city.

While Nashville pedestrian accidents have claimed 19 lives this year so far, 280 people have been struck by vehicles in Davidson County in 2017. The THSO says the large number of pedestrian accidents can be partially attributed to the increase in population. Many pedestrian accidents in Nashville occur on busy roads, including Gallatin Road, where 10 fatal pedestrian accidents occurred between 2012 and 2016.

At Ponce Law, we want to help keep those in our community safe. You can reduce your risks of being involved in a pedestrian accident by:

• Crossing the street at crosswalks – Most pedestrian accidents occur at intersections or when pedestrians attempt to cross the street. Crossing only at a crosswalk helps you reduce your risks, but be sure to wait until you get a “walk” signal before crossing the street.
• Avoiding distractions – Distracted driving is an epidemic that claims thousands of lives every year, but distractions aren’t just dangerous behind the wheel—they’re also dangerous to people getting around on foot. Avoid looking at your phone or listening to music while you walk to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Drivers also must do their part to avoid accidents, but they don’t always err on the side of caution. If you or someone you love was hurt by a negligent driver while walking in Middle Tennessee, we want to help you. Call the Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers at Ponce Law today for a free consultation.