Pennsylvania is in the midst of an unsettling trend in recent years. PennDOT reports that about 4,000 people are hit by cars each year in our state. These pedestrian/car encounters seem to increase during the winter months, where drivers appear to be more aggressive, especially in the afternoon. Many of these accidents also appear to involve distraction, either on the part of the driver or the pedestrian. To increase visibility, it is recommended that pedestrians stay off of their phones, wear reflective clothing, walk against the flow of traffic, and cross only at designated areas. Drivers need to be alert, not distracted by mobile devices, and anticipate pedestrians on the road with them.
As a driver, it is important to note that if you are involved in a car accident, most states, including Pennsylvania, have at least one section on the incident report dedicated to distracted driving violations. Fines and charges may increase if you are cited with one of these violations. Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents on the highway. If you have been injured as the result of a distracted driver, it might be time to consult an attorney. Attorney Doug Stoehr is a personal injury lawyer serving western and central Pennsylvania. Please call his office at 814-515-9074 for more information.
Original article may be found here:
https://www.wgal.com/article/why-are-pedestrian-crashes-on-rise-in-pennsylvania/26294777