On Monday afternoon, a pedestrian was critically injured after being struck by a car in Canton. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened at about 2:00 p.m. along Highway 110. Very few details about this collision have been released, but we do know that a Jeep Cherokee struck the 40-year-old woman. She was reportedly walking along the roadside before crossing the road to join her husband. She was rushed to Mission Hospital for treatment of head trauma and other injuries. There has been no word on whether or not the driver involved is facing citations or charges. This wreck is likely still under investigation with local law enforcement authorities.
Pedestrian Safety Facts
In 2015, there were 5,376 pedestrians killed in crashes across the U.S.
In 2014, there were 4,910 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the U.S.
There was a 9.5 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2014 to 2015.
An estimated 70,000 pedestrians were injured in crashes in 2015.
On average, a pedestrian was killed every 1.6 hours and injured every 7.5 minutes in the U.S.
Not since 1996, have we seen such a high number of pedestrians killed in a year.
Pedestrians: Vulnerable Roadway User Group
Pedestrians, like cyclists and motorcycle riders, are one of the most vulnerable roadway user groups. Even when using crosswalks and high-visibility clothing, pedestrians are at a particularly high risk for serious injuries when involved in collisions with motor vehicles. Pedestrians are unprotected, and lack even the helmets that can help to prevent and mitigate head injuries that cyclists wear. With the epidemic of distracted driving on the rise, pedestrians are increasingly put in harm’s way.
Asheville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims in the hospital and out of work for an extended period of time. Without the added safety of steel cages, seat belts and airbags, pedestrians are truly at the mercy of other roadway users. Drivers in Asheville and around the nation are urged to make a commitment to distraction-free driving to improve safety for pedestrians and all other roadway users.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in or around the Asheville area, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation today.