Community members in Asheville are calling on officials to put a crosswalk at the intersection of Patton Avenue and New Leicester Highway. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the Slow Down Asheville campaign is raising awareness about pedestrian safety at a busy intersection. They even have an online petition for concerned community members and local safety advocates to sign. They’re hoping to get enough signatures in the next couple of weeks to present the petition to DOT officials. At this time, the nearest crosswalks are between a quarter mile and a half a mile away.
U.S. Pedestrian Injury Statistics
- In 2014, 4,884 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes.
- An estimated 65,000 pedestrians were injured in crashes in 2014.
- On average in 2014, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes.
- In 2013, 4,779 pedestrians were killed in crashes.
- In 2014, 90 percent of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes involved single vehicles.
- 172 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in North Carolina in 2014.
Improving Pedestrian Safety in Asheville
With distracted driving on the rise in North Carolina and across the nation, pedestrians are encouraged to remain aware and alert in their surroundings. When pedestrians are struck by vehicles, even at relatively low speeds, the consequences can be devastating. Drivers are reminded to put down the cell phones and pay attention to the road. A distracted driver is a dangerous driver. Be on the lookout for pedestrians, even in areas that don’t have crosswalks. Some pedestrians will have no choice but to cross at intersections without proper crosswalks, so drivers need to keep their eyes on the road and lookout for other roadway users. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to remind motorists that everyone is a pedestrian.
After a Pedestrian Accident in Asheville
After any kind of accident involving a distracted driver, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your claim and potential lawsuit. A lawyer can be your advocate as you recover and try to get back to your normal life. If you or a pedestrian you love has been injured in an accident, contact Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free consultation today.