The Dangers of Drinking and Walking

The following is a guest post from New Jersey-based attorney Rick Console.

Alcohol and Pedestrian Injuries

According to statistics released by the American College of Emergency Physicians, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic accident every eight minutes. Every two hours, one of those pedestrian accidents is fatal. One of the main causes of these accidents? Alcohol.

When we think of alcohol-related traffic accidents, we most often think of accidents that involve one or more automobiles and an intoxicated driver. It may surprise you to learn that alcohol is a factor in about half of all traffic accidents that result in pedestrian deaths. Even more surprising, the pedestrian is the intoxicated party in about one-third of all pedestrian fatalities.

Prevent Pedestrian Injury and Death

It goes without saying that a driver who has a blood-alcohol content over the state limit should never get behind the wheel and drive. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol run a greater risk of running a stop sign or light, barreling through a crosswalk, failing to see a pedestrian, or not being able to stop in time due to slower reaction times. All of these errors can result in tragic and serious pedestrian injury, including death.

But pedestrians should also take care. We have heard the warning "Don't drink and drive" enough to know that driving while under the influence simply isn't safe, and is against the law. While there is no law against having a few drinks and walking home, it can be equally as dangerous.

When you decide not to drink and drive, you are making an excellent choice. But also be sure that you are aware of the dangers of walking on streets with traffic while intoxicated. Intoxicated pedestrians may step in front of vehicles, wander off of sidewalks, cross in dark areas outside of crosswalks, or fail to notice approaching vehicles. Not only is this incredibly dangerous for the pedestrian, it can also be dangerous for drivers and their passengers.

If you are planning on having a few drinks and believe you may become intoxicated, make plans to walk with a sober friend, or arrange to get home in a different manner. Call a cab, or ask a non-drinking friend to get you safely to your door.

Sometimes, despite being careful, pedestrians are injured by careless drivers. As well, sometimes drivers or their passengers are injured by a careless or intoxicated pedestrian. If you or someone in your family has recently been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident that involved alcohol, you may be due compensation. A NJ accident lawyer will be able to review the circumstances of your accident for free, and can let you know if you have a case and what that case may be worth. In addition to receiving the funds you need to ensure medical care for a quick and full recovery, you may also be able to prevent a similar accident from happening to someone else.

Rick Console is a New Jersey personal injury attorney who has been protecting and representing the rights of injury victims for 17 years. In addition to representing those injured in motor vehicle accidents, he has successfully handled thousands of cases related to slips and falls, premise liability, worksite injuries, homeowner's claims, dog bites, and medical malpractice. Console is licensed to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and has offices in both Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.