More than 600 Pedestrians Died in Texas Last Year

Yes, you read that right. Over 600 pedestrians died in Texas last year. What is more, the long-term trend in Texas and throughout the United States is ominous for pedestrian deaths and injuries. For instance, 485 pedestrians were killed in 2013, with that number rising to 616 in 2017 and 619 in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationally, ten years ago, 4,109 pedestrians died in the United States; last year the total killed was 6,283. What we are seeing is a quiet epidemic that does not include the tens of thousands of pedestrians who are harmed but survive these devastating impacts.  Recently, our office was retained to help one such victim who survived a harrowing ordeal of being struck by a distracted motorist and dragged under the vehicle for 120 feet, severely injuring her.

There is no single reason for this increase, but most experts are noting a convergence of distracted drivers, larger vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists in urban areas. In suburban areas like McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano, and the greater Collin County area, we are starting to get to a critical mass of people living and working in confined areas. This has resulted in more people walking or bicycling to work or other activities and increasing the traffic on already overcrowded roads.  Political leaders are struggling with answers to help make our infrastructure more pedestrian-friendly, but it is going to be a long, slow, and dangerous process.

While we navigate this maze, please be aware of your surroundings, whether you are in a car, on a motorcycle, a bicycle, or foot.  Anticipate pedestrians in and around intersections, especially those near sporting events, parks, churches, and schools. Obey all traffic control devices such as stop signs, pedestrian crossing lights, and speed limits, especially in urban or suburban areas.  Stay safe out there.  If the worst happens despite your precautions, we at the McCraw Law Group are here to help.  We have the expertise and resources to prosecute these serious personal injuries on your behalf.