A stroll in the park? Getting pedestrian safety right

A STROLL IN THE PARK? Getting pedestrian safety right PEDESTRIAN FACTS IN GENERAL In 2013: 398 killed 4998 seriously injured 18637 slightly injured 24033 pedestrian casualties in total The Around 98% of serious or fatal pedestrian injuries happen in urban areas and are due to collisions with motor vehicles. Deaths number of were serious injuries down by 5% versus 2012 dropped 10% from 2012. INCIDENTS INVOLVING PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES: There were There were In 2013, there were 331 fatal incidents 4600 serious incidents 21841 total incidents involving one vehicle and a pedestrian of which 197 (59.5%) involving one vehicle and a pedestrian of which 3434 (74.65%) involved a car of which 16495 (75.5%) involved a car. involved a car WHO ARE AT RISK Children are more likely to be injured in Spring and Summer (excluding August) when it's lighter and there's more chance they'll walk to school and play outside. Children are more likely to be injured as pedestrians on weekdays at school time in the morning and afternoon. Adults are far more likely to be injured as pedestrians in the * darkness than children. The most at risk age for pedestrian injuries is 12, with one in 651 children of that age (34% for adults and 15% children) Adult casualties are higher reported as a pedestrian activity. around commuter times and in the late evening/ night time. AT CROSSINGS: Adults have higher casualty rates between October and January Pelican crossings are the most dangerous places for pedestrian accidents when it's darker. RULES FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: CHECK FOR TRAFFIC Allow plenty of time to check that the road is clear Find a safe place to cross: Look around for traffic and listen - Use recognised crossing points - eg Zebra or puffin crossings When it is safe, walk straight across 1 If not possible, choose a crossing spot where the road is easily visible and where drivers can see you the road The risk of death is approximately Try not to cross between parked cars, a bend or the top of a hill Make sure you can cross without having when a FOUR TIMES IIGHER pedestrian hit at 40mph than at 30mph. to walk around obstacles. STOP before you get to the kerb edge Sources: Department for Transport. 2014. Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: 2013 Annual Report. June. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/sys- tem/uploads/attachment_data/file/358035/rrcgb2013-00.pdf. NHS Choices. 2015. Be safe on foot. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Roadsafety/Pages/Pedestrians.aspx. http://www.ctc.org.uk/sites/default/files/file_public/pedestrians4rrv2.pdf http://www.cfoa.org.uk17802 http://think.direct.gov.uk/speed.html For more information: Call 24/7 on 0800 157 1438 or you can visit www.ukclaimlawyers.co.uk SCLAIM LAWYERS E INJURY COMPENSATION - 100% NO WIN - NO FEE eX