Jaywalking and Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian safety is a critical concern in urban areas, and jaywalking remains a significant contributing factor to pedestrian accidents. Jaywalking, the act of crossing a street outside designated crosswalks or against traffic signals, poses a substantial risk to both pedestrians and drivers.

Jaywalking refers to the illegal or improper crossing of a street by a pedestrian. The term “jay” historically denoted a naive or inexperienced person, implying that those who crossed streets recklessly are unaware of the risks involved. The concept emerged in the early 20th century as automobiles gained popularity and traffic regulations were introduced.

Jaywalking laws vary across the country, but here in Huntsville, it is considered a traffic violation. Violators may face fines or other penalties. However, enforcement and penalties differ, leading to inconsistent adherence to jaywalking laws.

Statistics and trends in pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a global concern, with millions of incidents reported annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that pedestrian accidents account for a significant portion of road traffic fatalities, especially in densely populated urban areas. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also reports, “Pedestrian7 motor vehicle crash deaths have increased 80 percent since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 17 percent of crash fatalities.”

Factors that contribute to pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted walking. The popularity of smartphones has led to an increase in distracted walking, where pedestrians engrossed in their devices fail to pay attention to traffic signals or the surrounding environment. The National Safety Council reports teens are at a high risk of being hit by a car. In fact, “over all age groups since 2009, pedestrian fatalities have trended up sharply, with 7,388 traffic-related deaths in 2021.”
• Poor visibility. Pedestrian accidents often occur in low-light conditions or areas with inadequate street lighting. Both pedestrians and drivers may struggle to see each other, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• Infrastructure issues. Insufficient or poorly designed crosswalks, absence of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and inadequate signage contribute to accidents. Urban planning plays a crucial role in creating safer environments for pedestrians.

Behavioral psychology and jaywalking

Human behavior is influenced by the perception of risk. Some pedestrians may underestimate the dangers of jaywalking, believing they can navigate traffic safely. Understanding the psychology behind risk perception is essential for designing effective safety campaigns.

Social norms and cultural attitudes towards jaywalking vary, which can influence pedestrian behavior. In some societies, jaywalking might be widely accepted, while in others, it is stigmatized. Determining and analyzing these factors help towns and cities develop targeted interventions to address specific cultural challenges.

How can we help keep Alabama’s pedestrians safe?

Smart traffic management systems equipped with sensors and cameras can help with pedestrian safety. Adaptive traffic signals that respond to real-time pedestrian movement also help create a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) incorporating pedestrian detection technology are becoming more prevalent in modern vehicles. These systems can alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians and, in some cases, initiate automatic braking to prevent collisions.

Public awareness campaigns play an important role in educating both pedestrians and drivers about the risks associated with jaywalking. These initiatives should focus on promoting responsible pedestrian behavior and emphasizing the importance of adherence to traffic regulations.

Integrating pedestrian safety into school curricula helps instill responsible behavior from a young age. Teaching children about the dangers of jaywalking and the importance of using designated crosswalks can have a long-term impact on pedestrian safety.

How can I be a safer pedestrian?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham discusses several ways you can keep yourself safe as a pedestrian:

• Use the crosswalk. David Schwebel, Ph.D., associate vice president for Research Facilities and Infrastructure and director of the UAB Youth Safety Lab in the College of Arts and Sciences, notes, “Drivers wouldn’t run a red light or dart their vehicles into an intersection when traffic is coming the other way, so why do some pedestrians feel that is OK? When you jaywalk, you are openly and blatantly breaking the law, which you don’t usually do when driving near intersections; but many pedestrians feel it’s justified.”
• Put your phone away. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports, “For the two-year period from 2019 to 2020, there were an estimated 4,600 emergency room-treated injuries associated with walking while distracted on the phone.” As mentioned earlier, distracted walking is very dangerous, especially near crosswalks and busy roadways.
• Make yourself visible. Always assume that drivers are not paying attention and do not see you. One of the best ways to do this is to use the sidewalks. “At dawn and dusk, visibility drops and makes it difficult to detect pedestrians,” Schwebel states. “To be safe, pedestrians should wear reflective, light-colored clothing to alert drivers, travel free of distractions such as looking at the phone, and ensure eye contact with approaching or stopped drivers to ensure they are aware of the pedestrian’s presence.”
• Put yourself in the driver’s seat. Remember to think about the driver’s perspective – they may be stressed, distracted, or looking for landmarks rather than pedestrians. Schwebel notes that being cognizant of and “sympathetic to” an unknown driver’s situation can help avoid severe accidents.

Of course, even the safest pedestrian cannot avoid a negligent driver. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident here in Huntsville, talk to the personal injury attorneys at Martin & Helms today for help. We can help you seek compensation for your damages and losses – we will take care of the difficult legal issues while you take the time to recover from your injuries. To learn about your rights to compensation, call our offices or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Madison, Athens, and all of North Alabama.