A new study conducted at West Virginia University and published by BMJ Group has concluded that male pedestrians are more likely to die as a result of pedestrian accidents than women.

Pedestrians account for a third of the 1.2 million traffic fatalities annually worldwide. The study looked at pedestrian fatality rates in the U.S. in 2008 and 2009 and found that the fatality rate for male pedestrians was 2.3 times higher than that of female pedestrians, even though men and women tend to walk about the same distances each year.

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In trying to determine the reason for the higher rate for me, researchers looked at walking exposure (kilometer walked per person-year), vehicle-pedestrian collision risk (number of collisions per kilometer walked) and vehicle-pedestrian collision case fatality rate (number of deaths per collision), but could not come to a definite conclusion as to why. They suspect one of the reasons for the higher male fatality rate is that men tend to put themselves in unsafe situations more than women do.

Virginia Injury Lawyer Perspective:

Pedestrians should try to avoid those unsafe conditions that the researchers mentioned in their findings – such as crossing busy highways or walking while intoxicated. Some auto manufacturers are working on technology that would help prevent pedestrian collisions such as spotting pedestrians’ cell phone signals and also using more traditional radar and infrared sensors to identify not just pedestrians, but also animals.

If you are walking and are struck by a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries and loss that may incur.

Study Finds Men More Likely to Die in Pedestrian Accidents than Women

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