Are Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise in the DC Area?

Pedestrians here in the DC area are keeping an eye over their shoulder as they are walking along the streets of our communities. Local crashes are leaving a string of victims injured and, in some cases, leaving families to mourn. Drivers take the safety of those around them into their hands when they get behind the wheel, and we clearly need our drivers to be more conscientious. However, even simple day-to-day awareness on the part of the pedestrian can sometimes be enough for them to foresee and avoid a potential disaster.

Are Pedestrian Accidents Getting Out of Hand in the DC Area?

School had just dismissed at Lafayette Elementary School in the Chevy Chase neighborhood. A 4-year-old girl and her 18-year-old caretaker were crossing the street across from the school when a Metrobus collided with them. The little girl was thrown free from the bus, but the woman was pinned under it as rescuers ran to their aid. Both were taken to the hospital in serious condition, but they are expected to recover. Not every victim can say the same.

Just two days earlier, on August 20, a 69-year-old man was struck and killed while crossing Georgia Avenue near Glenmont Metro Station. Only days before, a 34-year-old crossing Norbeck Road in Rockville also succumbed to injuries caused by a crash. On August 11, a 58-year-old from Silver Spring lost his life to a crash while in the Wheaton area, as did a 41-year-old man in the same area days later.

Because pedestrians have no protection from impacts, they often sustain catastrophic injuries if they are hit by a vehicle. Distracted driving and carelessness are the top reasons for these accidents, which is why it’s so important that drivers pay extra attention while travelling through our communities. To learn more about other ways to help protect you and your family from pedestrian accidents, keep following our blog.

The attorneys here at Regan Zambri Long PLLC have experience aiding pedestrians who have fallen victim to vehicle collisions. We have even helped those who have fallen victim to negligence on the part of WMATA. If you have been struck by a vehicle in Washington DC or the surrounding area, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (202) 463-3030.