Laredo, Texas is a bustling city near the Mexican border with over 260,000 residents calling it home. As a major freight transportation hub, Laredo sees high volumes of commercial trucking and shipping pass through its roads and highways daily. With so many pedestrians sharing roads meant for high speed traffic, tragic pedestrian versus vehicle collisions occur far too often. Understanding the prevalent causes behind these accidents is the first step toward preventing more from happening.
Common Factors Leading to Pedestrian Accidents in Laredo
Many elements contribute to the frequency of pedestrian accidents in Laredo:
Driver Negligence
The most common cause of pedestrian crashes is basic driver error and negligence. Distracted driving from cell phones and passengers diverts attention from the road and pedestrians along it. Speeding through neighborhoods or busy downtowns gives drivers less time to react to people crossing. Impaired driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction time. Drivers who do not obey traffic signals or yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks show negligence.
Poor Nighttime Visibility
Many pedestrian accidents happen at night when visibility is reduced. Headlights only illuminate directly in front of a vehicle, so pedestrians in dark clothing can seem to appear out of nowhere. Unlit roads and crosswalks also contribute to nighttime collisions. Glare from bright lights can momentarily blind drivers as well.
Dangerous Road Design
Laredo’s transportation infrastructure lacks adequate safeguards for pedestrians in many areas. Roads meant for high speed transportation often run right through densely populated neighborhoods and downtowns. They may lack sufficient sidewalks, lighting, signage, barriers and crosswalks to safely accommodate pedestrian traffic. Dangerous intersections, obscured sight lines, and insufficient traffic calming measures also endanger pedestrians.
Reckless Driving
Reckless behaviors like speeding, weaving, running red lights, and disregarding pedestrian right-of-way increase accident risks. Areas frequented by pedestrians like school zones and parks require extra caution that reckless drivers fail to exercise. Road rage and impatience also contribute to reckless driving.
Pedestrian Errors
While driver negligence is the primary factor, pedestrians do sometimes make risky choices that jeopardize their own safety. Jaywalking across busy roads instead of at crosswalks, crossing against signals or in front of oncoming traffic, and lingering in medians are hazardous actions. Impaired pedestrians with slowed reflexes also increase their risk.
Insufficient Law Enforcement
Laredo could benefit from greater police enforcement and ticketing of unlawful driving behaviors like speeding and failure to yield. More traffic stops would remind drivers to be cautious and obey the law. Red light cameras at dangerous intersections could also improve driver compliance.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in Laredo
Drivers and pedestrians must both take responsibility for improving safety. Preventative actions include:
Safe Driving
- Obey all speed limits, especially around schools, parks, and downtown
- Come to complete stops at signs and signals before turning or proceeding
- Eliminate distractions like cell phones; pull over if necessary
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or when turning
- Drive cautiously in bad weather, heavy traffic, or dark conditions
- Leave ample stopping distance between vehicles
- Use turn signals for all turns and lane changes
Defensive Walking
- Use designated crosswalks at corners and traffic signals whenever possible
- Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Allow vehicles to pass before crossing; do not walk out suddenly
- Wear bright, reflective clothing when walking at night
- Avoid distraction from electronic devices when walking near traffic
- Walk on sidewalks or shoulders facing oncoming traffic if no sidewalks exist
- Follow pedestrian crossing signs and signals
Infrastructure Improvements
- Install more high visibility crosswalks, signage and lighting around high-traffic pedestrian areas
- Add barriers, medians and islands to protect crossing pedestrians
- Reduce speeds and add rumble strips approaching crosswalks
- Design safer pathways so pedestrians can avoid walking along dangerous roads
- Maintain faded signs, broken signals and damaged sidewalks
- Redesign hazardous intersections for better visibility and reaction time
Education Campaigns
- Teach drivers and pedestrians about risky behaviors and accident prevention
- Run public service announcements on obeying pedestrian right-of-way laws and stopping distances
- Incorporate pedestrian and cycling safety into driver education programs
- Notify the public when adding new infrastructure like bike lanes, trails or crosswalk signals
- Post signage to remind people to eliminate distractions and follow traffic laws
Common Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is struck by a fast moving vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The human body simply cannot withstand the force and impact. Some of the most common severe injuries suffered include:
- Head and Brain Trauma – If a pedestrian’s head strikes the ground or vehicle, traumatic brain injuries like concussions, hemorrhages and permanent brain damage often occur. These frequently have lasting complications.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The neck and spine are vulnerable to serious stresses during collisions. Spinal fractures, disc herniations, and spinal cord paralysis can result. These lead to partial or total loss of mobility and function.
- Internal Organ Damage – Major organs like the liver, kidneys and spleen can be lacerated, ruptured or severed when impacted. Massive internal bleeding, organ failure and death may follow.
- Bone Fractures – Pedestrians often suffer broken bones throughout the body – legs, arms, hips, ribs and more. Compound fractures that break through the skin are especially risky for severe bleeding and infection.
- Soft Tissue Damage – Collisions commonly cause muscle strains and ligament tears. Knee and shoulder dislocations are common. Long term pain, reduced mobility and arthritis may linger after soft tissue injuries.
- Psychological Trauma – The mental impact of severe pedestrian accidents manifests as anxiety, depression, PTSD and phobias. Nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance and avoidance behavior are common symptoms.
Pedestrian accident injuries require extensive, expensive medical treatment like surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation and therapy. Costs continue mounting as disabilities require long term care and loss of income. By following safe habits, drivers and pedestrians can help prevent these catastrophic trauma cases. But when they occur, seeking experienced legal counsel is critical.
If you or a loved one are harmed by a vehicle while walking legally and safely, know that help is available. Contact a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer Laredo TX to discuss your legal options. An experienced Laredo pedestrian accident attorney can build a strong claim to pursue damages from any liable parties. Call us today at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for a free consultation if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident. We’re here to help pedestrians and their families find justice.
