Pedestrian and bicyclist safety has been getting more attention here in Washington in recent years. However, such individuals still encounter plenty of dangers out on the state’s roads.
Unfortunately, it appears that it has recently become more common for pedestrians and bicyclists to face serious accidents here in Washington. Statistics indicate that there was a substantial uptick in such incidents between 2013 and 2017.
For one, the number of bicyclists and pedestrians seriously hurt in accidents out on Washington roads went up 31 percent during this period. The serious injury victim total from last year was 461. It was 351 in 2013.
There was an even more dramatic increase in bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities. Last year saw over twice as many such deaths as 2013 did. In 2017, 122 such individuals died in Washington traffic accidents. Only 60 did in 2013.
Why do you think this increase has happened? What do you think will be most important when it comes to trying to bring such accidents back down? How safe do you feel things are for bicyclists and pedestrians here in Washington?
Sometimes, serious pedestrian or bicyclist accidents occur due to the negligence of drivers. For example, a person might get hit by a driver that was distracted by cellphone. Victims of such accidents don’t have to fight for their rights alone. Skilled attorneys can help people who have suffered life-changing injuries due to a driver’s carelessness fight for the monetary relief they need to get their future back on track.