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Pedestrian accidents are a big problem in Canada, causing hundreds of yearly deaths. According to Transport Canada, pedestrians account for about 15% of all the people who die in car crashes, and another 15% get seriously hurt.
Compared to other provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador has the fourth-highest rate of deaths (7.9 for every 100,000 people) and the second-highest rate of injuries (624.4 for every 100,000 people) from car accidents.
These numbers are much worse than the national average for Canada as a whole (which is 5.2 deaths and 451.6 injuries per 100,000 people). When you do the math, Newfoundland and Labrador could see around 200 pedestrian deaths or injuries for every 100,000 residents.
Sadly, many of these victims are children, and pedestrian accidents are one of the main reasons kids under 14 die from injuries in Canada. These are significant statistics highlighting the seriousness of pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian incidents can result in serious personal injuries or even fatalities. They often occur due to many factors. By examining the common types of pedestrian accidents in Calgary, we can gain insights into the causes and consequences of these incidents and work towards making the city’s streets safer for everyone.
Crosswalk accidents are among the most prevalent types of pedestrian accidents in Calgary. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, but drivers don’t always yield as they should. These incidents happen when drivers fail to stop or slow down at crosswalks, even when pedestrians are already crossing or waiting.
Jaywalking, the act of crossing the street at a location other than a designated crosswalk or intersection, is a typical behaviour among pedestrians in Calgary. While it can save time, it significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Right-turn accidents typically occur when a vehicle makes a right turn at an intersection and a pedestrian crosses the street simultaneously. In some cases, drivers fail to notice pedestrians in their blind spots.
Left-turn accidents are the mirror image of right-turn accidents. They occur when a vehicle turns left at an intersection, and a pedestrian crosses the street. In these cases, pedestrians are often hit by vehicles making the turn.
Driving under the affection of alcohol or drugs is a top risk factor for pedestrian accidents in Calgary. Impaired drivers often have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment. Thus, making it more likely that they will strike pedestrians.
School zones in Calgary are designed to prioritize the safety of young pedestrians. However, accidents can still occur in these areas, often involving children walking to or from school.
Calgary has several pedestrian-only areas where vehicles are restricted. Despite these restrictions, accidents can still happen due to a lack of adherence to Canadian traffic rules or confusion by drivers.
Calgary pedestrian accidents are all too common, but understanding their causes and consequences is a crucial step toward preventing them. Drivers must exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws, especially in pedestrian areas. On the other hand, pedestrians should prioritize safety and use crosswalks and designated crossing areas whenever possible.
We can all help make Calgary’s streets safer by educating people about the typical forms of pedestrian accidents and encouraging safe driving practices. The goal is to minimize the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, creating a more pedestrian-friendly and secure urban environment for residents and visitors alike.
If you or someone in your family gets hurt or killed in a pedestrian-vehicle accident, you should have skilled and helpful personal injury lawyers. Find us at Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary for full legal support toward secure justice and fair compensation.
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