Can Race and Socioeconomic Status Affect Pedestrian Injury Risk?
Walking in any urban area can be dangerous, and thousands of pedestrians are killed in collisions every year while even more suffer nonfatal injuries. For quite some time, studies have underscored that older adults are at greater risk of injuries in a pedestrian accident than walkers of other ages. At the same time, according to a new study from the non-profit Smart Growth America, race and socioeconomic status may also be key risk factors in pedestrian injuries and collisions with automobiles. The non-profit’s report, Dangerous by Design 2024, addresses certain commonalities in pedestrian accident and injury cases in urban areas, and the places in America that are among the most dangerous for people on foot.
Epidemic of Pedestrian Injuries and Deaths
According to the report, there has been a “historic increase” in pedestrian fatalities over the last few years — such a marked rise that the increase in pedestrian deaths has been deemed an “epidemic,” and one that continues to worsen. In 2022, which is the most recent year with complete data from federal agencies, more than 7,500 pedestrians died in collisions with automobiles (the highest number in 40 years), and early estimates suggest that 2023 and onward may actually be worse.
Since 2010, pedestrian fatalities have risen by about 75 percent. What does that overall number look like? Between 2013 and 2022, a total of 61,459 people sustained fatal injuries in collisions with automobiles. And to put that number in perspective, it was less than 46,000 the previous decade.
Risk Factors for Pedestrian Collisions and Injuries
As we noted above, while researchers have been highlighting increased pedestrian injury risks among older adults for decades, newer research highlights increased risks based on race and socioeconomic status. In terms of race, pedestrians who are classified as American Indian/Alaska Native are the most vulnerable: between 2018 and 2022, there were 6.81 American Indian/Alaska Native pedestrian deaths for every 100,000 people (compared with 1.59 for white, non-Hispanic pedestrians). Black or African American pedestrians are also at increased risk. During that same time period, there were 3.40 Black or African American pedestrian deaths per 100,000.
There were also more pedestrian deaths in lower-income communities. In fact, based on census income, the rates of pedestrian deaths correlated directly with income. The lower an area’s median income, the higher the rate of pedestrian accident fatalities, and the higher an area’s median income, the lower the rate of pedestrian accident fatalities.
Contact a Richmond Pedestrian Injury Attorney Today
When a motorist’s negligence causes a pedestrian injury, it is essential to take steps to hold that driver accountable. Regardless of whether the accident was more likely or not based on statistics, you may be able to file a claim and to take steps to help prevent collisions involving dangerous drivers. One of the experienced Richmond pedestrian accident and injury attorneys at Latham & Martin. can speak with you today about potential options for filing a claim and seeking financial compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case and to learn more about pedestrian injury claims in Virginia.
Source:
smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design/
