Why Dallas Is Seeing An Increase in Pedestrian-Related Accidents

For many years, pedestrian fatalities were on the decline, as roads became increasingly safer for walkers from the 1980s through the early 2000s. However, starting in 2009, there has been a troubling increase in pedestrian deaths, making roads more hazardous for them each year. By 2021, the number of pedestrian fatalities had risen by 3,000 compared to 2009. This surge in pedestrian deaths is particularly concerning in the United States, as other countries have seen a consistent drop in such incidents.

Why the increase in accidents?

The reasons behind the rise in pedestrian safety issues are not straightforward. When we look at Dallas, its transportation system is particularly hazardous compared to other cities. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many states saw a drop in pedestrian deaths due to fewer vehicles on the road. However, in Texas, the opposite was true, with an increase in pedestrian fatalities in traffic incidents.

In Dallas, pedestrians have admitted that they are taking fewer precautions to ensure their safety. This includes not checking for oncoming traffic before crossing, wearing dark clothing at night, using noise-canceling headphones, and being distracted by their phones. Although the specific causes behind the rising number of pedestrian fatalities remain unclear, it is evident that low visibility at night exacerbates all these potential dangers.

Night Life. Each year, a significant number of pedestrian fatalities occur, particularly at night when visibility is poor. Since 2009, there has been a noticeable rise in deadly accidents, with many of these incidents taking place after dark. In fact, approximately 85% of the increase in pedestrian deaths since that year can be linked to accidents involving pedestrians during nighttime.

It’s unfortunate that many individuals are distracted while driving, often using their phones behind the wheel. Some statistics suggest that phone usage increases during nighttime driving, and distracted driving tends to be more prevalent in the evening. This observation aligns with the idea that as people finish their workday, they start to engage with their personal lives. They might be sending texts to the nanny or daycare, planning a happy hour with friends, or coordinating dinner and grocery plans with a partner or roommate. Additionally, some individuals may still be handling work-related messages after hours, contributing to their phone use while driving.

Phone Use. The rise in pedestrian accidents starting in 2009 can largely be attributed to the emergence of smartphones. Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, and soon after, smartphones gained immense popularity. These devices introduced a significant amount of distractions for drivers, making it more challenging for them to stay focused on the road.

As touchscreen phones and apps gained popularity, the technology in cars improved significantly as well. In the past, vehicles had only a few basic controls, with a limited number of buttons and dials. Nowadays, many cars are equipped with touchscreens and additional buttons, enhancing the driving experience. However, this rise in automotive technology could also be a contributing factor to the recent spike in pedestrian fatalities.

Vehicle Size. One more element that appears to contribute to the issue of pedestrian safety is the size of vehicles. While this doesn’t perfectly correlate with the rise in incidents starting in 2009, it does appear to have an impact. The trend of Americans driving SUVs started in the 1990s, and their popularity only grew throughout the 2000s.

Larger vehicles pose a greater risk to pedestrians. This is because bigger cars have higher hoods, which increases the likelihood of a person being struck in critical areas like the chest, torso, or head, rather than just the legs, where injuries are generally less severe. Additionally, the size and weight of these cars mean they require more time to come to a full stop. If a driver is distracted, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

Homelessness. There is a noticeable trend in demographics showing that more individuals are relocating to warmer regions of the country, particularly cities in Texas and Florida. However, these states have a long-standing reputation for poor pedestrian safety. Many of the cities in Texas and Florida are relatively new and have been designed primarily for vehicles rather than for pedestrians, unlike older cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Additionally, these cities lack robust public transportation systems and have inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians, which leads to an environment where driving is the assumed mode of transportation. For instance, the roads in Texas and Florida often feature fewer crosswalks and stoplights, along with a greater number of high-speed roadways.

The rising number of homeless individuals in Dallas appears to be linked to the growing incidents of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. With more people living on the streets, in highway interchanges, or under major roadways, they are often found in hazardous areas. This situation is particularly concerning at night, as many of these individuals are present in these risky locations, coinciding with a higher occurrence of pedestrian deaths during evening hours.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.