If vehicular collisions can be fatal, how much more dangerous can it be if a car hits a pedestrian who’s unprotected from crashes?
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths have steadily increased in the U.S. over the past decade. Since 2010, the number of fatalities spiked by 77%. The year 2022 also saw a 40-year high of 7,508 deaths.
But more people have also recognized the need for added safety measures. A new survey by Consumer Reports found that 86% of Americans believe pedestrian detection technology can reduce the likelihood of people being hit or killed by automobiles. 72% of Americans also said they want their next car to have pedestrian detection technology.
Consumer Report’s study comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed a plan to make automatic emergency braking technology mandatory on all new automobiles.
The cost of pedestrian injuries and deaths
Collision-related deaths and injuries are on the rise. But how much does it all cost?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that fatal pedestrian motor vehicle accidents led to over $99 million in medical expenses in 2020. But in terms of pedestrian injuries, the total medical cost in 2020 hit a staggering $4.11 billion. Pedestrian injuries on average also cost $99,647 to treat.
Pedestrian injuries also led to an average work loss cost of $22,046. They also caused an average quality-of-life loss cost of $205,470 in 2020.
It’s clear that getting hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian costs much money. And that the problem will only worsen until the automotive industry addresses it. Until new automobile technologies can prevent crashes, pedestrians will continue to be at risk.
If you suffer injuries from a vehicle accident, know that a personal injury lawsuit can help secure enough compensation to pay for your medical expenses and other losses. Guidance from a legal professional can improve your chances of winning your case.