Pedestrians are at heightened risk of severe injuries in the event of a collision with a motor vehicle, and these accidents are more likely to happen at certain times of day rather than others. Let’s take a look at the prevalence of nighttime pedestrian accidents, why that time of day is so dangerous, and what injured pedestrians can do to seek accountability and justice.
Nighttime Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to data compiled by the National Safety Council, approximately 40 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents in the U.S. in one recent year occurred at night under lighted conditions. Another 35 percent occurred in unlighted conditions, while another 7 percent occurred at dusk or dawn. All told, about 82 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occurred during dusk, dawn, or nighttime.
Factors Contributing to Nighttime Pedestrian Accident Rates
Various factors associated with nighttime and twilight likely contribute to the overwhelming number of pedestrian accidents that occur during these time periods.
Reduced Visibility
Nighttime and low lighting conditions reduce visibility for both motorists and pedestrians. People often have lower visual acuity in low lighting, especially as they age. As a consequence, motorists may have a harder time noticing pedestrians at night, dusk, or dawn, especially in areas without street lights and when pedestrians wear darker clothing. Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy precipitation or fog, can further reduce visibility at night.
Intoxicated Driving
Late night and early morning hours see more intoxicated drivers on the road as people come home from bars, restaurants, concerts, or parties having consumed alcohol or drugs. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the highest rate of fatal drunk driving accidents in the U.S. occurred between midnight and 3 a.m., with the second-highest number of accidents occurring between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. and the next highest rate occurring between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Drowsy/Fatigued Driving
Motorists also have a higher risk of driving while fatigued or feeling drowsy during nighttime hours. The body’s circadian rhythm causes a feeling of tiredness at night in preparation for sleep, which can cause drivers to become groggy. Fatigue causes difficulty concentrating, poor reaction times, and impaired decision-making.
Pedestrian Behavior
Motorists are not the only ones who make mistakes leading to pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians who act unpredictably, do not pay adequate attention to their surroundings, or walk in unlighted areas while wearing dark clothing may be to blame for a subsequent nighttime collision.
High-Risk Areas for Pedestrians at Night
Certain areas have a higher risk of pedestrian accidents. In urban areas, danger areas include downtowns, “bar and restaurant rows,” and entertainment districts. Nighttime pedestrian accidents also frequently occur at crosswalks and intersections when people disregard traffic signals or fail to yield the right of way.
Pedestrian Rights After an Accident
A pedestrian hit by a negligent or reckless driver at night may have the right to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. This compensation can cover the following:
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Costs of long-term disability care, such as home health services or home renovations to install disability accommodations
- Lost wages and other income from missed work
- Ongoing or future loss of earning capacity if the pedestrian becomes disabled from their job or other work
- Physical pain and anguish
- Emotional trauma or distress from the accident and injuries
- Reduced quality of life due to severe disabilities or disfigurement
Contact Our Santa Fe Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
Were you hit by a motor vehicle while you were walking at night? If so, get the legal representation you need to assert your right to compensation. Contact Hunt Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss how we can help you demand the money you need to put your life back on track.