Pittsburgh Has A Long Battle with Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety remains a critical issue in Pittsburgh, a city with a long history of serious pedestrian accidents. Despite ongoing efforts, many pedestrians are still at risk of being injured by cars.
A recent Public Source article highlighted this troubling trend, where pedestrians are often unfairly blamed for accidents simply for not crossing in marked crosswalks. The reality? Many areas in Pittsburgh lack safe walkways for pedestrians. “Our safety measurements in this country are a crime,” said Peter Norton, author of Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City, in an interview with Public Source.
A century-long battle between cars and pedestrians in Pittsburgh
Pedestrian accidents in Pittsburgh have a long history. Back in 1930, the Pittsburgh Press reported that drivers in the city were responsible for 189 pedestrian fatalities. Considering there were only 200,000 vehicles registered in Allegheny County at the time, the number of deaths was staggering.
Fast forward nearly a century, and while the numbers have decreased, pedestrian safety remains a concern. Last year, seven pedestrians were killed in Pittsburgh, according to Public Source. Though the reduction in fatalities is significant, it’s no reason for complacency. There’s still much work to be done to protect pedestrians and make Pittsburgh’s streets safer.
Pittsburgh pedestrians are often blamed for causing accidents
People on foot are frequently blamed for accidents, with road safety experts citing failure to use designated crosswalks as the issue. In fact, six out of seven pedestrian fatalities in the city last year involved so-called “jaywalking.”
However, accidents still happen even when pedestrians follow the rules. Recently, two pedestrians were hit by a car while legally crossing in a crosswalk at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Centre Avenue, according to CBS News Pittsburgh.
The focus on blaming pedestrians for not using crosswalks overlooks a larger issue: Pittsburgh’s long-standing emphasis on prioritizing cars over pedestrian safety. As Peter Norton noted, “It’s never been a scientific study about optimum safety or optimum traffic flows or anything, it’s always been about power.”
Why do pedestrian accidents still happen in Pittsburgh?
Despite ongoing efforts, pedestrian accidents remain a significant issue in Pittsburgh. One of the main reasons is the city’s road design, which favors drivers over pedestrians. Wide, straight roads often encourage speeding, and speed plays a major role in many pedestrian collisions.
But the problem doesn’t stop there. Other common causes of pedestrian accidents in Pittsburgh include:
- Poor street lighting: Lack of proper lighting is a factor in 75% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Without adequate street lighting, drivers struggle to see pedestrians at night, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol impairment is a major contributor to pedestrian deaths. In 2022, nearly 48% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide involved a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drunk drivers often have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to strike pedestrians.
- Vehicle design: SUVs and pickup trucks are especially dangerous for pedestrians due to their size and design. These larger vehicles are more likely to cause severe injuries or fatalities when they hit pedestrians, as they strike at a higher point on the body. This is a key reason why pedestrian accidents involving these vehicles are more deadly, according to the NHTSA.
- Aggressive or reckless driving: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers ignore traffic laws, such as running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, or speeding through intersections. These dangerous behaviors put pedestrians at greater risk, particularly when crossing the street.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, using their phones, or otherwise distracted are far less likely to notice pedestrians. This lack of attention can lead to devastating accidents, especially in busy areas where pedestrians are crossing streets or walking along sidewalks.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks: Even when pedestrians have the right of way, drivers often fail to stop at crosswalks, putting those on foot at risk. Whether due to inattention or aggressive driving, failure to yield is a common cause of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in Pittsburgh.
- Left-turn accidents: Drivers making left turns at intersections often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street, leading to accidents.
Why should you hire a Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney?
Claims involving injured pedestrians might seem straightforward at first, but they can quickly become complicated. From dealing with insurance companies to navigating complex legal issues, one mistake in the process could cost you the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
At Romanow Law Group, we understand what’s at stake. Our Pittsburgh pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring your case gets the attention it deserves. We know how to build a strong claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, take your case to court to secure maximum compensation.
When you hire our team, you’re not just getting legal representation—you’re getting a law firm that puts your needs first and fights for results. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we win your case.
Get the Pittsburgh law firm that injury victims trust for real results. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help you.
“Do not think twice about hiring this firm! Do not think twice about calling David Romanow! Only just one phone call away! Thanks, Dave, you are the man!” – Aubrey C.