As pedestrians, we must exercise caution while walking near busy roads and city streets. In recent St. Louis news reports, there has been a rise in fatal pedestrian accidents and pedestrian injuries in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. One such incident occurred at the recent Drake concert accident where a mother and her daughter were killed in a pedestrian crash while they had the right of way.
Our attorneys took a deeper look at the recent news and compiled some reminders for pedestrian safety to address this ongoing issue in our area.
Why Are Pedestrian Crashes Rising?
According to a recent report from St. Louis-Post Dispatch, pedestrian crashes have jumped in St. Louis County. The story highlighted the fourth annual report from Trailnet, which found 2023 was the deadliest year on record for pedestrians in St. Louis County. There were 36 vehicle-pedestrian fatalities and 476 injuries in St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis. In 2024, there have already been at least four fatal pedestrian accidents, including the Drake concert accident.
Many of these pedestrian crashes were caused by two driving issues: speeding and distracted driving. Speeding was the top noted issue for fatal pedestrian crashes in St. Louis City and County in both 2023 and 2022. Many drivers who caused pedestrian accidents ran red lights, failed to yield, or sped through walkways and crosswalks when pedestrians had the right of way. Distracted driving is also a contributing factor in many pedestrian crashes over the last two years.
What Are Examples of Recent Pedestrian Crashes?
Over the past three months, St. Louis has seen many major pedestrian crashes that have resulted in fatalities or severe injuries. The Drake concert accident was a result of a driver who was speeding near pedestrians leaving the concert. The driver drove through a red light and hit another car that struck and killed two pedestrians near Enterprise Center. A similar situation happened last year to a teen who was severely injured due to a speeding driver while she was leaving a volleyball tournament downtown.
In another incident, an intoxicated driver hit a North County pedestrian who received a catastrophic injury that eventually resulted in the amputation of her leg. The accident was a direct result of driving while under the influence. Not far from this accident, a driver hit a pedestrian who was crossing the street and fled the scene. He sustained severe leg injuries that will impact him for the rest of his life.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians Walking in Urban Areas
While St. Louis is actively investing to improve pedestrian safety throughout the community, it is important to consider these tips as you are walking after busy events or near congested streets.
- Avoid walking in poorly lit areas. Try to stay on designated sidewalks where lighting is prominent.
- Get into your car quickly. If you are parked on the side of the road, wait for traffic to pass before entering your vehicle. Opening your driver’s side door into the road while another car is passing might increase your chances of getting into a pedestrian crash.
- Follow crosswalk signals. Whether you are about to walk in a busy intersection or on a quiet street, make sure to adhere to crosswalk signals. Drivers who are speeding or distracted may keep going and by law, you must follow crosswalk signals.
- Stay on designated sidewalks. Sidewalks give pedestrians a safe space to walk near busy roads and intersections. Stay on sidewalks wherever possible and pay attention to what is going on around you.
- Do not jaywalk across the street. As a pedestrian, it is important to use designated crosswalk areas to keep yourself and other drivers safe.
- Look up, don’t scroll! Be present while walking around after busy events, at night or during your commute. One glance at your phone could be the difference between your safety and a catastrophic injury.
- Be a defensive pedestrian. Drivers may not always yield to pedestrians. It is always safest to assume a driver does not see you. Wait until a car passes and use crosswalk signals to cross a street safely.
St. Louis Lawyers for Pedestrian Crashes
With the rise of pedestrian crashes, our lawyers understand the unease you may feel while walking in busy areas. By practicing good walking habits and staying aware of what is going on around you, that may make a difference between a safe walk home or a serious injury from a distracted driver.
If you were recently hit as a pedestrian, contact our attorneys for a free consultation to begin your case. Also, for more information and safety tips on personal injury cases, visit our blog to learn more.