Pedestrian accidents continue to be one of the most pressing issues on UK roads. These incidents often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, raising important questions about road safety and the responsibilities of all road users. In this article, we will examine several high-profile cases, analyse the causes of such accidents, offer recommendations on how to reduce risks for all road users, and provide advice on what to do if you find yourself involved in such a situation.
Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents
According to data from the UK Department for Transport, there were 361 pedestrian fatalities as a result of road traffic accidents in 2021. The number of serious injuries among pedestrians totalled 5,032, while the number of minor injuries reached 11,261, making a total of 16,654 pedestrian injuries for the year. [source]
From 2016 to 2021, most pedestrian fatalities were caused by car accidents, resulting in 1,469 deaths. Lorries proved to be the most dangerous for pedestrians, with the highest proportion of fatalities occurring in single-vehicle collisions (16%). [source]
Overview of Legislation on Pedestrian Protection
The UK has a substantial amount of legislation aimed at protecting pedestrians. Key regulations include:
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The Highway Code:
- Pedestrian Crossings: Drivers are required to give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and signal-controlled crossings (Sections 1-30).
- Speed Limits: Drivers must observe speed limits, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as schools and residential areas (Sections 103-158).
- Pedestrian Responsibilities: Pedestrians should use designated crossings, look both ways before crossing the road, and avoid using mobile devices while crossing (Sections 1-35).
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The Road Traffic Act 1988:
- Driver Responsibilities: Drivers are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles and must take all necessary precautions to prevent accidents involving pedestrians (Sections 2-4).
- Penalties for Violations: The law imposes severe penalties for traffic violations, including fines and imprisonment for dangerous driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
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The Road Safety Act 2006:
- Additional Safety Measures: The introduction of additional safety measures such as road surveillance cameras and driver and pedestrian awareness programmes.
High-Profile Pedestrian Accident Cases
One of the most well-known cases in the UK is Jackson v Murray (2015). A 13-year-old girl was struck by a car while crossing the road after getting off a school bus. Initially, the court found her 90% at fault, but the Supreme Court later reduced her liability to 50%, noting that the driver should have slowed down and exercised greater caution when approaching the stopped bus. [source]
Another case, Probert v Moore (2012), also attracted considerable attention. A girl was hit on an unlit country road while she was wearing headphones and no reflective clothing. Although the court did not initially find her at fault, the case sparked a debate about the need for pedestrians to wear reflective clothing on unlit roads. [source]
A further example is Chan v Peters (2021), where a 17-year-old was hit by a car near his school. The court found the driver guilty for failing to reduce speed and exercise sufficient care, knowing that children might be present on the road. [source]
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The main causes of pedestrian accidents include inattention and carelessness by both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers often speed, disregard pedestrian crossing rules, become distracted by mobile devices, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. On the other hand, pedestrians may cross roads at unsafe locations, fail to look both ways, wear dark clothing at night, or be under the influence of alcohol.
How Behavioural Factors Affect the Likelihood of Accidents
The behaviour of both pedestrians and drivers plays a crucial role in the occurrence of road traffic accidents. Psychological factors such as attention, perception, and decision-making can significantly impact road safety.
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Attention and Distraction:
- Pedestrians: Using mobile phones, listening to music on headphones, and other distractions can reduce a pedestrian's ability to notice approaching vehicles and accurately judge their speed.
- Drivers: Drivers can also be distracted by mobile phones, sat-nav systems, or passengers, diminishing their ability to react to pedestrians who suddenly appear on the road.
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Situation Assessment:
- Pedestrians: Pedestrians often overestimate their ability to cross safely in front of fast-moving vehicles or underestimate the distance to an approaching car.
- Drivers: Drivers may underestimate the speed at which pedestrians are approaching the roadway, especially in poor visibility or at night.
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Decision Making:
- Pedestrians: Impulsive decisions, such as suddenly running across the road outside a designated crossing, increase the risk of collisions.
- Drivers: Decisions about speed and manoeuvres on the road are influenced by the driver’s psychological state, experience, and level of fatigue.
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Social and Cultural Factors:
- Pedestrians and Drivers: Driving culture and societal norms regarding road behaviour can vary widely. Countries with stricter rules and a culture of compliance may have lower accident rates.
What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident as a Pedestrian
If you are involved in an accident as a pedestrian, it is important to know the steps to take to protect your rights:
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Reporting the Accident:
- No matter how minor your injuries may seem, report the accident to the police, especially if the driver has left the scene. The police investigation will be a crucial component of any claims you may pursue.
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Medical Treatment:
- Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if your injuries appear minor. Medical records will serve as important evidence in the event of a legal dispute.
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Collecting Evidence:
- Gather as much information about the incident as possible: contact details of the involved parties and witnesses, vehicle registration numbers, and photographs of the accident scene and any injuries sustained.
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Legal Advice:
- Seek legal assistance from a reputable law firm. Their specialists can help you understand your rights, prepare the necessary documentation, and ensure your interests are protected. We understand how challenging and confusing this time can be and are ready to support you at every stage of the process.
Successful Projects and Initiatives to Improve Pedestrian Safety
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Vision Zero (Sweden):
- Project Description: Launched in Sweden in 1997, the "Vision Zero" programme aims to completely eliminate road fatalities and serious injuries. The core idea is that safety is the responsibility of both road users and those who design and manage roads.
- Results: Since the introduction of the programme, the number of road fatalities in Sweden has significantly decreased. In 2019, the number of fatal road accidents dropped to one of the lowest levels in the world.
- Applicability: The Vision Zero programme could be adapted to other countries, including the UK, to suit local conditions and needs.
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Smart Crossing (UK):
- Project Description: A pilot project for smart pedestrian crossings, developed by Umbrellium, was launched in London. These crossings are equipped with LED lights that adjust their configuration based on pedestrian and vehicle traffic, ensuring safer road crossings.
- Results: The pilot project demonstrated that smart crossings could significantly reduce accidents at busy intersections.
- Feasibility: Such smart crossings could be implemented in cities and towns with high pedestrian traffic.
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Traffic Calming Zones (Netherlands):
- Project Description: The Netherlands has actively implemented traffic calming zones (woonerven), where pedestrians and cyclists are given priority. In these zones, vehicles must move at very low speeds, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Results: The introduction of woonerven has significantly improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, reducing accidents and injuries.
- Feasibility: Creating traffic calming zones could be effectively used in residential areas and urban centres in the UK.
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Look Right Campaign (Hong Kong):
- Project Description: The "Look Right" campaign in Hong Kong was launched to raise awareness among pedestrians about the importance of looking in the correct direction when crossing the road. The campaign included brightly coloured warning signs and pavement markings.
- Results: The campaign led to a reduction in pedestrian accidents at busy intersections.
- Feasibility: Awareness programmes like this could be introduced in the UK, particularly in tourist areas and locations with high pedestrian traffic.
Pedestrian accidents remain a serious issue in the UK, requiring a comprehensive approach to address. As the case studies, statistics, and legislation discussed have shown, the focus needs to be on raising awareness, improving infrastructure, and implementing effective control measures.
Adopting successful practices from other countries, such as Sweden’s Vision Zero and the Netherlands’ traffic calming zones, could significantly enhance pedestrian safety in the UK. These initiatives have proven effective in reducing accidents and injuries and adapting them to local conditions could yield similar results.
Education programmes and awareness campaigns among all road users are also crucial. Introducing mandatory road safety education in schools and conducting regular public campaigns will help foster a culture of safe road behaviour.
Technological solutions, such as smart traffic lights and improved street lighting, can increase pedestrian visibility and reduce the likelihood of accidents. The introduction of strict fines and better enforcement of traffic laws will further contribute to safety.
At "it happens" we support these changes and are committed to helping those who need to protect their rights and interests. It is important to remember that road safety is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play in creating safer roads.
