Pedestrian Killed in Bradenton Crash

U.S. Highway 41 is considered a dangerous road in Florida. It has a high rate of accidents and fatalities. It is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous roads in the state.

Sadly, this recently rang true when a 63-year-old pedestrian was killed in a Manatee County crash. The pedestrian died after he was hit by an SUV. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of January 25 in Bradenton.

The crash happened on U.S. 41, near 69th Avenue West. The man, from Omaha, Nebraska, was walking east across U.S. 41 when he was hit by an SUV that was traveling in the middle southbound lane.

The man was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The driver of the SUV, a 33-year-old man from Bradenton, was not injured. The crash is still under investigation.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents may be caused by pedestrians and motorists. Here are some motorist-related causes:

• Distracted driving. Using a phone, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can lead to a crash.
• Speeding. Going too fast reduces reaction time and increases impact severity.
• Failure to yield. Crashes can happen when drivers ignore crosswalks or right-of-way rules.
• Drunk or impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reflexes.
• Running red lights and stop signs. Not following traffic signals leads to unexpected collisions.
• Poor visibility. Nighttime driving, fog, or heavy rain can obscure pedestrians.

Pedestrian-related causes include:

• Jaywalking. Crossing outside designated crosswalks can lead to accidents.
• Distracted walking. Using phones, wearing headphones, or not paying attention can lead to crashes.
• Ignoring traffic signals. This means crossing when the signal says “Don’t Walk.”
• Walking under the influence. Being under the influence can apply to pedestrians as well. Alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction time for those walking in and around streets.

Pedestrian accidents can also be caused by environmental factors such as:

• Poor lighting. Inadequate street lights make pedestrians hard to see.
• Defective or missing crosswalks. A lack of designated crossings can make it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.
• Poor weather. Rain, snow, and ice can lead to skidding vehicles and visibility issues.
• Construction zones. Detours and barriers may force pedestrians into unsafe areas.

As a pedestrian, here are some tips to stay safe:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Put away your phone when crossing the street.
• Use sidewalks whenever available; if none, walk facing traffic.
• Cross at designated crosswalks and intersections.
• Obey pedestrian signals and traffic lights.
• Watch for cars pulling out of driveways or parking lots.
• Be extra careful in bad weather, as vehicles may take longer to stop.

Contact Us Today

When pedestrians and motor vehicles get together, the results can be fatal, as seen in this case.

Get the right legal help from a Bradenton pedestrian accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm. Our priority is to ensure you receive justice and the maximum compensation possible. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (941) 281-2019.

Source:

bradenton.com/news/local/article299189800.html