Pedestrian Killed in Harris County Accident
On Monday, August 6th, at approximately 2 a.m., a pedestrian was killed on a Harris County road.
Details of the Accident
Reporters say that the male pedestrian was headed northbound on the 6400 block of Barker Cypress when the driver of a Dodge pickup struck the man.
After being hit, the man then flipped over the Dodge and was run over by a Jeep that followed. Sadly, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials say that both drivers pulled over to offer assistance to the victim. The accident is still under investigation as it is unclear why the man was walking along the dark road.
Pedestrian Safety Statistics
Auto-pedestrian accidents are very common in the United States and often lead to fatalities. Research done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights statistics for these types of accidents that cause victims death or severe injuries:
- The United States averages one pedestrian death by crash every 1.6 hours.
- Pedestrians older than 65 are the most at risk, accounting for 20 percent of victims in these type of accidents.
- Children are also extremely vulnerable to these accidents. 1 in 5 children killed in auto accidents in 2015 were pedestrians.
- Nearly half of all auto-pedestrian accidents involved intoxication of the driver or pedestrian.
Be Cautious Drivers
There are a number of safety precautions that drivers should take whenever they get behind the wheel in areas with high pedestrian traffic:
- Always be aware of pedestrians on the road, using crosswalks, or attempting to cross a street.
- Avoid reckless driving, speeding, and driving while intoxicated.
- Never use a cell phone or text when driving.
- Be extremely careful in school zones and parking lots.
You do not want to cost someone their life because of careless driving.
Pedestrians Need to Be Aware
Just as drivers must exhibit a high level of caution behind the wheel, it is just as important that pedestrians and their families take certain precautions to avoid becoming victims:
- Never let children or seniors walk in close proximity to streets or moving cars without guidance and supervision.
- Always use the crosswalk when attempting to cross the street and only when you have the right of way.
- Teach your children safe routes if they walk to school.
- Avoid walking in high traffic areas at night. If you must, use brightly colored clothing to stand out.
Accidents can happen within the blink of an eye. Stay safe and away from traffic when possible. Reckless drivers are on the road more often than we think.
Have you been injured or lost a loved one in an auto-pedestrian accident? Let our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys at Lapeze & Johns help you to recover from such a traumatic experience.
Contact us today at (713) 739-1010 for your free legal consultation.
Source: Click2Houston
