Why “Distracted” Pedestrian Accidents Are Increasing

Every year, more and more pedestrians are injured or killed in accidents involving distracted behavior. Unfortunately, this trend shows no sign of slowing down as the rise of smartphones and other portable electronic devices continues to impact our daily lives. In Los Angeles, a city known for its car culture, pedestrian safety has become a major concern, with traffic accidents accounting for a large percentage of overall fatalities. In response, policymakers, urban planners, and concerned citizens are working to improve infrastructure and implement new regulations to prevent further tragedies from occurring. 

Let’s explore the root causes of distracted pedestrian accidents in L.A. and the current laws and policies in place to protect the public. We’ll also examine personal case studies of individuals impacted by these accidents in order to raise awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety in our high-density city.

What is a “Distracted” Pedestrian Accident?

A “distracted” pedestrian accident occurs when someone who is walking is involved in an accident, typically with a moving vehicle because they were focused on something else instead of keeping an eye on their surroundings. This distraction could be a variety of things, including, but not limited to, mobile devices, headphones, conversations, eating, or even daydreaming.

The term is commonly used to refer to situations where a pedestrian is using a smartphone or other electronic device and is not fully attentive to their surroundings. This can lead to risky behavior, such as crossing streets without looking both ways, ignoring traffic signals, or walking in areas not designated for pedestrians.

The rise in these types of accidents has paralleled the increase in smartphone usage, making “distracted walking” a major public safety concern. While drivers are often legally obligated to avoid hitting pedestrians, pedestrians also have a responsibility to maintain a heightened level of awareness for their own safety.

The Consequences of Distracted Pedestrian Accidents

Distracted pedestrian accidents can have severe and wide-ranging consequences, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also families, communities, and society as a whole.

1. Physical Injuries: Physical injury is the immediate and most obvious consequence of a distracted pedestrian accident. These can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even death.
2. Psychological Impact: Survivors of distracted pedestrian accidents may also experience psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
3. Financial Consequences: The financial impact can also be substantial. This will include high medical bills, loss of income due to an inability to work, and other related expenses. If the pedestrian accident was fatal, surviving family members will have to deal with funeral expenses, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and most importantly, the devastating and sudden emotional loss.
4. Legal Ramifications: If it is found that a pedestrian’s distraction contributed to an accident, they could potentially face legal consequences. While pedestrian rights are often protected, contributing negligence could impact compensation claims.
5. Social Implications: On a broader scale, distracted pedestrian accidents contribute to increased healthcare costs and can lead to higher insurance premiums for everyone. The rise in such accidents also pressures cities and communities to improve infrastructure and implement measures to enhance pedestrian safety.
6. Community Trauma: Accidents, especially those resulting in serious injury or death, can cause significant distress within a community. They serve as a harsh reminder of the potential dangers of everyday activities and can lead to a general feeling of unease and concern.

For these reasons, it’s crucial to address the issue of distracted walking, promote awareness and educate the public about the potential risks and work to reduce them.

Statistics on Distracted Pedestrian Accidents:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,205 pedestrian deaths in the United States in 2019, a 44% increase since 2010. And in a recent study published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities increased by 12% in 2021 compared to the previous year.

The majority of these fatal accidents consistently involved passenger cars. Nighttime conditions have proven to be particularly dangerous, with the majority of fatalities occurring after dark. In fact, in 2020, over three-quarters (76%) of fatalities where the lighting condition was known happened at night. Over the past six years, the number of pedestrian deaths at night has seen a dramatic rise of 41%, escalating from 3,510 in 2014 to 4,951 in 2020.

The rise of smartphone use has raised concerns about increased distracted walking incidents. The Pew Research Center surveyed that 53% of all adult cell phone owners had been involved in a ‘distracted walking’ encounter. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2017, and some of these fatalities were attributed to distracted walking. However, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact number of accidents related to distraction because this data is often underreported or not collected at all.

The Smartphone Epidemic: Influence of Technology on Pedestrian Accidents

The rise of smartphones and other digital technologies has significantly influenced many aspects of our lives, including, unfortunately, the rate of pedestrian accidents. With so many people using smartphones while walking, “distracted walking” has become a significant public safety concern.

1. Distraction: The primary issue is distraction. Smartphones command our attention with constant notifications from calls, messages, emails, social media, etc. This constant barrage of information can easily distract pedestrians, causing them to pay less attention to their surroundings. Pedestrians engrossed in their screens may step into the path of vehicles, stumble off curbs and into oncoming traffic or hit bicycle riders.
2. Noise Isolation: Additionally, using headphones while walking can be risky. Listening to music, podcasts, or phone conversations can drown out important audio cues from the environment, like the sound of an approaching emergency vehicle.
3. Altered Walking Patterns: Studies have shown that individuals using their smartphones while walking tend to move slower, change directions more often, and have reduced stability. This unpredictable behavior could increase the risk of accidents.
4. Risk-Taking Behavior: There’s also a concern that people absorbed in their smartphones might engage in risky behavior, like crossing roads without adequately checking for traffic or ignoring traffic signals.

In response to this “smartphone epidemic,” some cities have started implementing strategies to increase pedestrian safety, such as public awareness campaigns, “digital sidewalk” lanes, and penalties for distracted walking. While smartphones offer many benefits, using them responsibly is crucial, especially when navigating busy streets.

The Safety Impact of Urban Planning and Infrastructure in Los Angeles

Urban planning and infrastructure are vital to pedestrian safety. In the case of Los Angeles, the city’s design, which has historically prioritized automobiles, poses unique challenges. The city is crisscrossed by sprawling highways and high-speed roads and is peppered with wide, complex intersections. Pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, are often narrow, poorly maintained, or altogether absent, particularly in areas of heavy vehicular traffic.

Another issue is the availability and placement of crosswalks. In many places throughout Los Angeles, crosswalks are spaced far apart, leading pedestrians to risk jaywalking rather than taking an inconvenient detour. When pedestrians are distracted by smartphones, for instance, the risks become even greater.

Lighting is another crucial factor in pedestrian safety, with many accidents occurring at night. Poorly lit areas are prevalent in Los Angeles, reducing visibility for drivers and pedestrians and increasing the potential for accidents.

Moreover, although efforts have been made to expand public transportation in Los Angeles, many regions still lack convenient access. This limitation can require individuals to traverse greater distances on foot along busy roads, inadvertently increasing their exposure to traffic.

The urban density of Los Angeles, a city known for its bustling foot traffic, also adds to the risks. High pedestrian density in areas such as Downtown LA and Hollywood can increase the probability of accidents, especially if pedestrians are distracted.

However, it’s important to note that the city has made strides to become more pedestrian-friendly. The “Vision Zero” initiative, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2025, is making efforts to improve crosswalks, reduce vehicle speeds, and enhance lighting in high-risk areas. While infrastructure and urban planning present challenges for pedestrian safety in Los Angeles, these ongoing initiatives offer hope for a safer future. Nevertheless, until these changes are fully realized, pedestrians should always be hyper aware when navigating the city’s streets.

Current Policies and Laws Related to Pedestrian Safety in Los Angeles

Like many cities, Los Angeles has enacted various laws and policies to enhance pedestrian safety. Here are some of the key regulations and initiatives:

1. Crosswalk Laws: In California, drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. This law is enforced to give pedestrians the right of way and to promote safer street-crossing practices.
2. Vision Zero Initiative: Launched in 2015 by Mayor Eric Garcetti, the Vision Zero initiative had the ambitious aim to eliminate all traffic fatalities, including pedestrian deaths, in Los Angeles by 2025. While it won’t live up to that goal in that time frame, Vision Zero has led to several data-driven improvements in high-risk areas for pedestrians. These include better lighting, more crosswalks, traffic-calming measures, and pedestrian safety education.
3. Safe Routes to School (SRTS): This program is designed to make the walk or bike to school safer for children. It adds safety features such as crosswalks, traffic signals, and traffic-calming measures near schools.
4. Speed Limit Reductions: Los Angeles has been reducing speed limits on numerous city streets as part of its Vision Zero initiative. Slower driving speeds give drivers more time to see and react to pedestrians, which can reduce the severity and frequency of collisions.
5. Los Angeles Walks: While not a policy or law, Los Angeles Walks is a pedestrian advocacy organization that works to make walking safe, accessible, and fun for all Angelenos. They work with city officials to influence policy and design safer streets.
6. Distracted Walking Legislation: While not a law in Los Angeles or California, several U.S. cities have passed legislation penalizing distracted walking, particularly focusing on smartphone use while crossing streets. A similar law to improve pedestrian safety could be on the books in Los Angeles in the future.

Local laws and initiatives could change, so staying updated on current policies is important for the most accurate information.

Contact The Dominguez Firm for Expert Guidance on ‘Distracted’ Pedestrian Accidents

The rising trend of “distracted” pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles underscores a pressing need for increased awareness, proactive urban planning, and individual responsibility. We must collectively strive to make our streets safer for all.

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to navigate your personal injury claim alone. The Dominguez Firm, with over 35 years of experience and a 96%* success rate, stands ready to assist you. Their expert team will offer guidance and fight for your rights, ensuring you get the justice you deserve. Don’t let a moment of distraction turn into a lifetime of regret. Reach out for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer ath The Dominguez Firm today at (800) 818-1818. Our proven track record speaks for itself, but our dedication to clients sets us apart.