Sidewalks are meant to be safe spaces for pedestrians to walk, but sometimes vehicles jump the curb and cause tragic accidents. NHTSA data reveals that one pedestrian is killed every seven minutes in the US. This article will examine the causes and consequences of cars jumping the curb and hitting pedestrians on sidewalks.
Causes of Curb Jump Accidents
There are several reasons why a vehicle may leave the road and end up on the sidewalk. Driver impairment, distraction, mechanical failure, and avoidance maneuvers are some of the most common causes.
- Impairment – Intoxicated, drowsy, or medically impaired drivers can lose control of their vehicle and drift onto the sidewalk. Drunk driving is a major factor in many curb jump crashes.
- Distraction – Drivers who are texting, eating, or otherwise not fully focused on the road are more likely to swerve off the road unexpectedly. Taking eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have devastating results.
- Mechanical Failure – Brake failure, blowouts, or other mechanical problems may cause drivers to lose control and inadvertently jump the curb. Vehicles that are poorly maintained are more susceptible to such failures.
- Avoidance Maneuvers – Drivers swerving to avoid another vehicle, object in the road, or even an animal can inadvertently end up on the sidewalk. These quick instinctive reactions can be hazardous.
Consequences of Curb Jump Crashes
When a vehicle leaves the road and collides with pedestrians on a sidewalk, the results are often catastrophic. Fatalities and serious injuries to pedestrians frequently occur in such accidents.
Pedestrians are completely vulnerable, having no protection from a fast moving vehicle suddenly jumping the curb. Impact speeds are often high, even if the vehicle was not initially going fast, due to the slope up the curb.
Long recovery and rehabilitation is often required for those who survive but sustain serious injuries such as head trauma, broken bones, and organ damage. Psychological trauma from the crash can also be severe for victims.
Legal and financial consequences for both driver and victim can be extensive after a curb jump crash. Drivers may face criminal charges and civil lawsuits related to injuries and damages caused. Victims face medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
Preventing Curb Jump Crashes
While some curb jump crashes are unforeseeable, there are measures drivers and communities can take to help prevent these needless tragedies.
Drivers should stay sober, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and maintain their vehicles properly. Communities can implement traffic calming measures and sidewalk barriers in high risk areas. Ultimately, drivers need to remain alert and in control of their vehicles at all times to keep pedestrians safe on sidewalks.
Curb jump crashes are a hazard for pedestrians, but one that can potentially be reduced through education, awareness, and prevention strategies focused on driver responsibility. Caution and care on the part of motorists is key to protecting the safety of all sidewalk users.
Contact us if you’ve been in an accident as a pedestrian. You can visit our office at 16633 Ventura Blvd. #602 Encino, CA 91436.
Call now for a free consultation on (818) 659-8588.