[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A new study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) demonstrated that the increase in fatal car accidents involving pedestrians stemmed from different risk factors between 2009 and 2016 in the U.S.   SUVs were specifically identified as a reason for more fatalities, showing an 82 percent increase in the number of pedestrian deaths, significantly higher than other vehicles.  In the United States, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in crashes in 2016. The study was conducted to examine potential risk factors for fatal pedestrian accidents. The study showed that overall fatal pedestrian crashes increased by 46 percent, but in urban areas the increase was 54 percent, on arterial roadways the increase was 67 percent, non-intersections increased by 50 percent, dark conditions were 56 percent, and SUV involvement increased 82 percent. Recommendations to stem the increase in pedestrian deaths include several road improvements and better lighting. See the full study here. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth recommends that pedestrians take every precaution to prevent accidents. Among them, avoid walking in dark clothing at night, cross streets at marked intersections or crosswalks if possible, obey all traffic signals, and be aware of vehicles around you! Find more safety tips from AAA here. If you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian or car accident, call us today at 888-517-9888 for a free legal consultation. We can help you recover physically and financially.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]