North Carolina Ranks 14th in the Country for Pedestrian Fatalities

North Carolina Pedestrian Fatalities

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte pedestrian accident attorneys know that getting hit by a vehicle is an unimaginable scenario for most North Carolina residents. Unfortunately, thousands of others know all too well that these crashes are a reality.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, each year more than 2,000 pedestrians are involved in police-reported crashes with motor vehicles throughout the state. Another resource, Watch for Me NC, reports the average number of pedestrian accidents as much higher, reaching 3,000 annually.

Tragically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranks North Carolina as the 14^th deadliest state for pedestrians, with 228 people losing their lives last year alone.

What Does the Law Require of Motorists and Pedestrians to Help Ensure Safety on the Roads?

We are all responsible for making sure our roads are safe for everyone, including pedestrians.

When you are behind the wheel, remember drivers:

• Are required to yield to pedestrians at marked crossings and unmarked crosswalks at intersections except where there is a traffic or pedestrian signal.
• Must stop for pedestrians at stop signs and flashing red lights and must yield for pedestrians at flashing yellow lights.
• Making right or left turns must allow pedestrians to cross first unless pedestrians are prohibited from crossing.

In addition:

• North Carolina state law prohibits drivers from passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Pedestrians on sidewalks have the right of way, so drivers must let them pass before turning into or out of driveways and parking lots.
• Drivers are responsible for ensuring the road is clear of pedestrians before pulling forward or backing up.

When you are on foot, remember pedestrians:

• Must use sidewalks when they are available or walk to the far left edge of the road facing traffic when they are not.
• Must use marked crosswalks when they are provided. It is unlawful to cross a street outside a marked crosswalk if the pedestrian is between two signalized intersections.
• Must obey the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs in the same way a driver must obey Red or Green lights.
• Have the right of way at marked crossings, and vehicles must yield.
• Must yield the right of way to all vehicles when NOT at an intersection or marked crosswalk.

Safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you are behind the wheel or on foot, keep an eye out for each other, so we can all make it home safely.

Contact Our Experienced Charlotte Pedestrian Accident and Injury Attorneys Today

While we hope you never need us, at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our pedestrian accident and injury attorneys in Charlotte provide free consultations by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to fit each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the description of awards and cases previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.