A recent study revealed the pedestrian fatality rate for those aged 60 and above is high in New Jersey.
According to a recent study, pedestrians aged 60 and above are at an increased risk of suffering fatal injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle than their younger counterparts in New Jersey.
The study, conducted by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, found that the fatality rate for pedestrians over 60 years of age in New Jersey is almost 55 percent higher than the United States as a whole.
In Ocean County, pedestrians aged 60 and above accounted for over 37 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in the area from 2003 to 2012. People in that age range account for just 27 percent of the population in the county, however. In all, 102 pedestrians were killed in Ocean County during the last decade.
Pedestrian accidents a concern in New Jersey and across the country
The statistics for New Jersey as a whole were equally as troubling as those in Ocean County. During the decade from 2003 to 2012, over 450 pedestrians aged 60 and above died in collisions involving motor vehicles. Older pedestrians accounted for about 30 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in New Jersey during that period, despite making up only 18 percent of the population in the state.
Across the United States, the statistics are also grim, although not as serious as in New Jersey. According to the report - Older Pedestrians at Risk - almost 47,000 pedestrians aged 60 and above died in motor vehicle collisions from 2003 to 2012. While people in that demographic account for just under 18 percent of the country's population, they accounted for over 25 percent of all pedestrian fatalities during that period.
According to the researchers, improvements could be made to New Jersey's roadways to decrease the pedestrian fatality rate for these older residents. For instance, providing longer periods for individuals to cross the street in marked crosswalks would allow older pedestrians a chance to cross the road safely.
Of course, motorists should always take precautions when driving and be aware of pedestrians crossing the street or walking on the side of the road.
When a motorist causes a collision with a pedestrian in New Jersey, he or she should be held responsible for the damage done in the crash. If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you need to seek the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney, who will work on your behalf to obtain the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Keywords: pedestrian, accident, New Jersey
