As a pedestrian, understanding the common causes of these accidents is critical for staying safe.
Recognizing high-risk situations allows you to take steps to protect yourself. And if the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one are struck by a vehicle, knowing your rights and legal options is essential for getting the support and compensation you deserve. At Tittle & Perlmuter, our pedestrian accident lawyers have helped many pedestrians who were seriously injured by negligent drivers. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the most common causes of vehicle-pedestrian accidents in Ohio.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of vehicle-pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Texting or using a cell phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, and interacting with passengers can all divert a driver’s focus at a critical moment.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were over 13,500 distracted driving crashes in the state in 2024, including 41 fatal collisions and more than 4,200 that caused injuries. When a driver is not fully concentrating on the road, they may fail to see a pedestrian crossing the street, stepping off the curb, or even walking on the shoulder. Those few seconds of inattention can mean the difference between a safe trip and a tragic crash.
Drunk & Drugged Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also puts pedestrians at great risk. Intoxicated drivers have slowed reaction times, impaired judgment and decision-making, and reduced coordination. Their ability to quickly respond to pedestrians and navigate the road safely is significantly compromised.
In Ohio, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs, including marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter remedies. However, even a BAC below the legal limit can impact driving ability.
Speeding & Aggressive Driving
High speeds make it more difficult for drivers to see and react to pedestrians in time to avoid a crash. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to perceive a hazard, apply the brakes, and come to a stop. If a speeding driver does strike a pedestrian, the impact is likely to be much more severe, and the pedestrian accident injuries are more catastrophic than a collision at a lower speed.
Aggressive driving behaviors like following too closely, cutting off other vehicles, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to yield the right-of-way can catch pedestrians off guard. For example, if a driver runs a red light, a pedestrian who has the walk signal and is lawfully crossing the street may be hit. These reckless maneuvers give pedestrians little time to take evasive action to avoid being struck.
Left Turns
Pedestrians also face increased risk at intersections when vehicles are making left-hand turns. More than 20% of pedestrian accidents at intersections involve a turning vehicle. Turning drivers are often focused on oncoming traffic and may not be watching for people on foot.
Even if the pedestrian has a walk signal and the right-of-way, a left-turning driver may fail to yield and cause a collision.
Poor Visibility
Pedestrian accidents are also more likely to occur when visibility is reduced, such as at dawn, dusk, or nighttime. More than 76% of pedestrian accidents happen after dark. During low-light conditions, it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially if they are wearing dark clothing without reflective materials.
Hazardous weather like rain, snow, ice, and fog also impact visibility and make it more difficult to spot pedestrians on or near the road.
Slick roads and reduced tire traction in wet or wintry weather can make it harder for vehicles to stop, increasing the risk of slides and skids that strike unsuspecting pedestrians. Pedestrians should always use extra caution in conditions that impair drivers’ visibility and ability to stop quickly.
Quiet Hybrids and Electric Vehicles
As environment-friendly hybrids and electric vehicles become more commonplace, they present an emerging risk for pedestrians. These vehicles operate with little engine noise compared to conventional gas-powered cars and trucks. Pedestrians who are used to hearing an approaching car may not detect a quiet hybrid or electric vehicle nearby until it is dangerously close. Visually impaired pedestrians and others who rely heavily on their hearing are especially vulnerable.
Several automakers are working to add artificial sounds to their hybrids and electric models to alert pedestrians at low speeds, but this technology is not yet universally available. As more of these vehicles hit Ohio’s roads, pedestrians should be aware that an apparently quiet street may not be vehicle-free. Using visual checks and avoiding distractions like headphones is advisable.
Parking Lots & Driveways
Not all pedestrian accidents happen in intersections, crosswalks, or along busy roads. Parking lots and private driveways are also common sites of vehicle-pedestrian accidents. Drivers pulling out of parking spaces or driveways may not thoroughly check for pedestrians before accelerating. Their view may be partially obstructed by parked cars, shrubbery, signage, or other obstacles.
Pedestrians walking behind vehicles in parking lots are particularly at risk of back-over collisions.
Large vehicles like SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks that sit higher off the ground have more blind spots and may not see a pedestrian, especially a child, behind them. 360-degree monitoring around your vehicle and back-up cameras can help prevent these serious and sometimes fatal accidents.
Ohio Pedestrian Laws & Accident Liability
When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle in Ohio, determining who is at fault depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the relevant pedestrian laws. Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.46 states that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the same half of the roadway as the vehicle.
If a driver violates pedestrian laws and strikes a pedestrian who was obeying traffic rules, the driver would likely be deemed negligent and held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries. But if the pedestrian darted into traffic unlawfully, they may be considered partially or fully at fault.
Get in Touch with Us
At Tittle & Perlmuter, we know that no amount of money can undo the trauma of being hit by a car.
But by holding careless drivers accountable and pursuing the compensation you deserve, you can get the medical treatment and support you need to heal and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
