Wheelchairs Users at Risk for Car-Pedestrian Accidents

Data collected from recently conducted research shows wheelchair users are more likely to be killed in vehicle-pedestrian accidents than pedestrians who are walking or riding a bicycle.

Additionally, the data shows a staggering amount of wheelchair-confined pedestrian deaths take place at intersections.

Risk of Death Higher for Wheelchair Users

Georgetown University researchers set out to determine the risk level associated with fatal pedestrian accidents for wheelchair users.

Using data obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as news stories concerning auto accident fatalities in the United States, researchers were able to estimate the number of pedestrian wheelchair users killed in car accidents.

Their study determined wheelchair users are one-third more likely to be killed in these accidents, compared to the general population.

The research also revealed that men who are wheelchair-bound are five times more likely to be killed in a car-pedestrian accident than women using wheelchairs, and men between the ages of fifty to sixty-four were at the highest risk.

Where These Accidents Occur

Researchers found that more than fifty percent of fatal pedestrian accidents involving wheelchair users took place at intersections, many of which did not have the proper traffic controls, or lacked crosswalks.

Accident data suggests drivers may not see wheelchair users in approximately 75 percent of all pedestrian accidents causing death.

Poor lighting and the absence of sidewalks force wheelchair-bound pedestrians to use the road, where vehicle drivers are not expecting them to be.

Preventing Accidents

Pedestrian accident deaths among wheelchair users may be reduced with increased involvement from communities throughout the country.

Community infrastructure must be developed in ways that allow pedestrian wheelchair users to travel safely, and meet the requirements listed in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pedestrian accident victims should never have to suffer financially due to injuries caused by negligent drivers. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, a highly regarded Phoenix personal injury lawyer from Phillips Law Group will work tirelessly to secure compensation for your injuries.

Call 1-800-706-3000 or fill out our FREE CASE REVIEW FORM above to schedule a free consultation.