Sharing the Road with Pedestrians

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,739 pedestrians were killed and 78,000 were injured in 2000, as a result of collisions with motor vehicles. That means on average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 111 minutes.

Although we don't have statistics that break out pedestrians killed by RVs, it's an important topic to think about before taking to the road in your RV. Pedestrians are commonly out in force during the summer months-when most RVers are traveling-and are prevalent in areas where RVers frequently drive, like campgrounds and resorts.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) started collecting data and "typing" pedestrian crashes in the early 1970s. Pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes were categorized into four common scenarios-a pedestrian is struck after darting out into traffic mid block, walking along the road in the same direction as traffic, crossing the street at an intersection and walking behind a vehicle as a driver is backing.

Since then, clear patterns have emerged that indicate there are also commonalties between the day and time accidents occur. In 2000, most pedestrian fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, between 4:00 p.m. and midnight, in normal weather conditions.

Additionally, DOT statistics show there are four states that stand out with the most annual pedestrian fatalities in the nation. The noted states are California with 670 fatalities, Florida with 492 fatalities, Texas with 412 fatalities and New York with 335 fatalities.

Even though we collect and evaluate accident data and clear patterns are revealed, it's important to remember accidents can and do happen at any time of day, on any day of the week, in any location.

Knowing a pedestrian-motor vehicle accident can happen anytime, it's worthwhile to know what you can do to decrease your chances of hitting and seriously injuring, or even killing, a pedestrian. First, it's crucial to always honor speed limit signs, especially in special speed zones. The risk of death to a pedestrian increases nine times as vehicle speed increases from 20 to 30 miles per hour.

Statistics published by PEDS (Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety) are startling.

When pedestrians are hit by a vehicle...

• at 20 mph, 5% of walkers are killed.
• at 30 mph, 45% of walkers are killed.
• at 40 mph, 85% of walkers are killed.

These numbers clearly illustrate why decreasing your speed in school zones and other high pedestrian areas is so critical. Another important factor that can decrease your chances of hurting a pedestrian is staying alert when you drive. Driving when your mind is not focused on the road or during times of extreme drowsiness can decrease your reaction time. Since pedestrians can come out of nowhere-and many times don't pay attention to what they are stepping out in front of-it's up to you to be prepared to stop or swerve as needed.

In order to be attentive to the task at hand, drive when you are fully rested, try not to make a practice of talking on a cellular phone while driving, don't take medication that causes drowsiness before driving and, of course, never drink alcohol and get behind the wheel. Alcohol involvement-either for the driver or for the pedestrian-was reported in 47% of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2000. (NHTSA)

Remember, accidents do happen. If you are driving responsibly and a pedestrian with a high blood alcohol concentration darts in front of your RV, you may have an accident. To protect yourself financially, make sure your RV insurance policy includes liability coverage for bodily injury of a third party. This coverage protects you from claims of bodily injury to others resulting from negligent operation of your motor vehicle.

For extra bodily injury coverage, many people opt for an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy covers you when the liability limits of your auto, homeowner, or motorhome policy are exhausted. One to five million dollars of coverage is normally available and is extremely inexpensive for the limits of coverage provided. Request an umbrella insurance quote now.