Related Links: Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Crash |
As we get older, staying active can play a major role in keeping our bodies healthy and mobile for as long as possible. "Active" does not necessarily mean running marathons; this could be as simple as an elderly person getting out of the house every day, walking down the street to the store and buying a copy of The Dallas Morning News. Unfortunately, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals ages 65 and older are one of the highest risk categories for being injured or killed in a pedestrian crash. Such serious injuries can permanently sideline an otherwise active older adult and cause them to lose their mobility, their health, and their freedom.
Why Are Elderly Pedestrians More at Risk?
Older adults do not travel by foot more than other age groups, but when they do go out for walks, they need to be extremely careful.
- CDC researchers analyzed six years of data to learn more about adults ages 65 and older who were non-fatally injured on a public roadway. From 2001 to 2006, 92.5 percent of these injuries were the result of an elderly individual falling or being hit by a motor vehicle. Many of the fall injuries involved a curb, such as an older adult tripping on a curb.
- Males have more than double the risk of females when it comes to being hit and killed. Some people believe this is because males are more likely to walk in more dangerous situations and take more chances when walking.
- The CDC also notes the obvious: age-linked declines in mental function, vision, and physical disabilities might place older adult pedestrians at a greater risk for being struck by a vehicle.
Aging Injured Pedestrians in Dallas Need Professional Legal Assistance
An older adult may be more likely to sustain a pedestrian injury, but that doesn't mean the crash was their fault.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Pedestrian Accident?
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident you should speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.