As operators of heavy machinery, drivers have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians and must take steps to avoid injuring people who are traveling by foot. Sadly, some drivers do not adhere to this duty of safety and many pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles every year, suffering devastating injuries and accruing substantial medical costs throughout the course of their recovery.

According to a report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association, “pedestrian deaths caused by drivers increased 50% in the past decade. Moreover, the 6,590 pedestrian deaths forecast for 2019 represents a 5% spike from 2018, and is the highest number of deaths in more than 30 years, when there were far fewer passenger vehicles on roadways. The proliferation of heavier SUVs has had a disproportionate impact on fatalities, with the GHSA citing pedestrians struck by an SUV are twice as likely to die as those struck by a car.” The report also cited that pedestrians represent 17% of all traffic related deaths.