Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Kansas, and impaired driving is a leading cause of these accidents. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, there were 92 pedestrian fatalities in Kansas between 2017 and 2019. In 2019 alone, there were 357 pedestrian accidents in Kansas, resulting in 63 fatalities and 282 injuries
.
Impaired driving is a significant contributor to these accidents. In Kansas, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. In 2019, alcohol-impaired driving was a contributing factor in 34% of all fatal crashes in Kansas.
It is important to remember that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Drug-impaired driving, including driving under the influence of marijuana, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs, is also a significant problem in Kansas and across the United States.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians, particularly in crosswalks and at intersections. Pedestrians, too, have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and use crosswalks and designated pedestrian areas when possible.
There are other steps that both drivers and pedestrians can take to help prevent pedestrian accidents. For drivers, this includes avoiding distractions such as texting or using a cell phone while driving, and always checking for pedestrians before turning or changing lanes. For pedestrians, this includes wearing bright or reflective clothing when walking at night, and always looking both ways before crossing the street.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Kansas, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and work with you to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
It is important to note that the consequences of a pedestrian accident can be devastating. Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and a collision with a motor vehicle can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death. In addition to physical injuries, pedestrian accidents can also result in emotional trauma, financial burdens, and other losses.
Fortunately, there are steps that communities and law enforcement can take to address pedestrian safety and impaired driving. This includes implementing traffic safety measures, such as installing crosswalks, improving street lighting, and increasing police presence in high-risk areas. Additionally, efforts to prevent impaired driving, such as sobriety checkpoints and education campaigns, can help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents caused by impaired drivers.
As individuals, we can also do our part to promote pedestrian safety and reduce impaired driving. This includes taking public transportation or using a designated driver if we plan on drinking, and avoiding distractions while driving. We can also encourage our friends and family members to do the same and hold ourselves accountable for our actions on the road.
Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Kansas, and impaired driving is a leading cause. Both drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to follow traffic laws and take steps to prevent accidents. Communities and law enforcement can also implement measures to promote pedestrian safety and prevent impaired driving. By working together, we can help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in Kansas and create safer streets for all.
As a personal injury law firm, at Melinda Young, we can help individuals who have been injured in pedestrian accidents caused by impaired driving. We can provide legal guidance and representation to help these individuals pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses.
We can help victims of pedestrian accidents by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case to prove liability. We can also work with medical professionals to document the extent of the victim’s injuries and calculate the damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We can also help families who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents caused by impaired driving. We can provide compassionate legal representation and help families pursue compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress.
In addition to helping individual victims of pedestrian accidents caused by impaired driving, we can also work to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and impaired driving. We can speak to community groups and organizations about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of pedestrian safety, and advocate for policies and initiatives to improve pedestrian safety and reduce impaired driving.
We as a law firm can help victims of pedestrian accidents caused by impaired driving pursue justice and compensation for their losses, and work to prevent future accidents through education, advocacy, and legal action.