Vehicle Speed And Age Increase The Risk Of Serious Injury For Pedestrians

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Pedestrians of any age are likely to suffer severe injuries when hit by a vehicle – and that risk goes up with increased speed and increased age. A recent study by the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety confirmed when vehicles strike pedestrians – the results can be devastating. And the speed at which an individual is struck by a vehicle has a lot to do with how likely that individual is to suffer serious or fatal injuries as the result of the collision.

The study also found that age of the pedestrian drastically affects the severity of injuries suffered in a collision. For example, a 70-year old who is struck by a car going 25 mph is as likely to suffer serious injuries or death as a 35-year old who is struck by a car traveling at 35 mph.

Just how much does speed affect injury severity in a pedestrian accident? Take a look at these findings:

Average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle:

  • 16 mph = 10 percent risk of severe injury
  • 23 mph = 25 percent risk of severe injury
  • 31 mph = 50 percent risk of severe injury
  • 39 mph = 75 percent risk of severe injury
  • 46 mph = 90 percent risk of severe injury

Average risk of death for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle:

  • 23 mph = 10 percent risk of death
  • 32 mph = 25 percent risk of death
  • 42 mph = 50 percent risk of death
  • 50 mph = 75 percent risk of death
  • 58 mph = 90 percent risk of death

You can read the full report here.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a car, learn about your legal options during a free consultation. Call Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner at (713) 222-7211.