Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Columbus

Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Columbus, Ohio, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers, helping to improve safety and prevent future tragedies. This article provides a detailed look at the factors that frequently contribute to pedestrian accidents in Columbus, drawing on data, legal precedents, and practical experience.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all types of traffic accidents, including those involving pedestrians. A driver who is not paying full attention to the road is far less likely to see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision. Common distractions include:

• Texting: Taking your eyes off the road to read or send a text message is incredibly dangerous.
• Talking on the Phone: Even hands-free devices can be distracting, diverting attention from the task of driving.
• Using Navigation Systems: Fiddling with GPS devices can take a driver’s eyes and focus off the road.
• Eating and Drinking: These activities require drivers to take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road.
• Adjusting the Radio or Other Controls: Even seemingly simple tasks can be distracting.
• Passengers: Interacting with passengers, especially children, can divert a driver’s attention.
• Grooming: Applying make up and other grooming should be done prior driving.

Ohio law prohibits texting while driving, and drivers have a general duty to maintain full-time and attention to the operation of their vehicle.

Drivers are legally required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in many situations, most importantly in crosswalks (both marked and unmarked) and at intersections. Failure to yield is a frequent cause of pedestrian accidents in Columbus. This often occurs when:

• Drivers are turning left and don’t see pedestrians crossing the street.
• Drivers are turning right on red and don’t check for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Drivers are entering or exiting driveways or parking lots and don’t look for pedestrians on the sidewalk.
• Pedestrians have a “walk” signal, but drivers ignore it.

Speeding significantly increases the risk of pedestrian accidents and the severity of injuries. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time the driver has to react to a pedestrian, and the greater the force of impact. Speed limits are set to protect all road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI) is a major factor in many serious and fatal pedestrian accidents. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision, making it extremely dangerous to operate a vehicle. Ohio has strict laws against impaired driving, but it remains a significant problem.

Pedestrian accidents are more common at night and during periods of poor visibility, such as rain, snow, fog, or dawn/dusk. Factors contributing to poor visibility accidents include:

• Inadequate Street Lighting: Poorly lit streets make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Dark Clothing: Pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night are much harder to see.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
• Glare: Sun glare, especially at sunrise and sunset, can blind drivers.

Drivers who run red lights or stop signs pose an extreme danger to pedestrians, who may be legally crossing the street with the right-of-way. These accidents often result in severe injuries because the driver is typically traveling at a higher speed.

Left-hand turns are particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Drivers making left turns are often focused on oncoming traffic and may not see pedestrians crossing the street, especially if their view is obstructed. The driver focuses in the traffic and may not notice the pedestrians.

Drivers backing out of driveways, parking spaces, or alleys may not see pedestrians behind them, leading to collisions. This is especially dangerous for young children, who are smaller and harder to see.

In addition the causes above, other issues may be the cause of the accident:

• Road Design
• Malfunctioning traffic signals
• Pedestrian error

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Columbus due to any of these causes, it’s crucial to seek legal help immediately. An experienced attorney at Hyslip Legal, LLC can investigate the accident, determine the cause, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.