A pedestrian was killed every 71 minutes during 2021, with pedestrian deaths accounting for 17% of all traffic deaths. 1,084 cyclists were killed during 2022, most of them aged 20 and under. Sadly, a lot of these accidents are caused by drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
A massive 32% of all traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers, and in 2020, 9,818 people died in accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous not only for the driver, but for all others sharing the road. Pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and intoxicated drivers pose a major threat. This article will examine the specific dangers intoxicated drivers present for those walking and biking.
High Risk of Fatalities and Severe Injuries
Being struck by a vehicle is often fatal or causes major injury even when the driver is sober. When the collision involves an impaired driver, the likelihood of severe outcomes greatly increases. Studies have shown that a worrying number of pedestrians killed in traffic collisions were hit by a drunk driver. For cyclist deaths, the figures are not much better. The level of intoxication directly correlates with injury severity in most cases.
Compared to collisions where the driver is sober, crashes with drunk drivers are 2-6 times more likely to result in pedestrian or cyclist fatalities. The high speeds vehicles travel make collisions unavoidable for vulnerable road users in many situations. Without quick reaction times and motor control, intoxicated drivers are unable to take evasive actions. Their impaired judgment also contributes to reckless behaviors like speeding which compound dangers.
Limited Self-Protective Actions for Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians and cyclists already face numerous risks requiring vigilance like distracted drivers or dangerous intersections. But unlike motorists, they lack basic protections like airbags and metal frames to shield their bodies in crashes. Without a vehicle around them, the human body directly absorbs the collision forces.
Even more worrying, walkers and bikers have very limited options to avoid oncoming drunk drivers. Pedestrians can try to quickly move out of the vehicle’s path, but intoxicated driving is unpredictable. Defensive techniques taught to cyclists may be ineffective against erratic drunk drivers swerving across roads or sidewalks unexpectedly. Essentially vulnerable road users rely on drivers to operate vehicles safely, something heavily impaired motorists are unable to do.
Driver Behaviors that Threaten Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
There are specific driving behaviors exhibited by those under the influence that put pedestrians in danger.
- Delayed response times: Intoxicated drivers are slower to react to pedestrians in crosswalks or along road shoulders. Their impaired judgment and motor skills prevent taking quick actions to brake or swerve.
- Difficulty controlling speed: It is harder for drunk drivers to maintain appropriate speeds for conditions. Excessive speeding increases the likelihood of collisions with pedestrians and lessens impact forces.
- Failure to yield right-of-way: Drivers may not obey traffic laws like stopping for lights or signs. Pedestrians crossing legally can be hit by drunk drivers who fail to yield.
- Narrowed field of vision: Alcohol consumption narrows the field of vision and decreases visual clarity. Impaired drivers may not see pedestrians, especially at night.
Dangers for Cyclists
- Wide turns: Intoxicated drivers are more likely to swing out widely on turns. This leaves cyclists sharing the lane extremely vulnerable to being hit.
- Crossing over lanes: Weaving across marked lanes or into oncoming traffic puts cyclists nearby at high risk of collisions.
- Shoulder riding: Drivers under the influence tend to drift toward road shoulders. Cyclists using shoulders become hazards they fail to avoid.
- Opening vehicle doors: Parked intoxicated drivers are more likely to open doors without checking for passing cyclists, who may be unable to avoid crashing into them.
Preventing Intoxicated Driving Injuries and Deaths
Harsher penalties for drunk driving help discourage the choice to drive impaired, but prevention is still needed. Strategies include improving public transportation options for drinkers, plentiful and affordable rideshare services, establishment of alternative transportation programs, required alcohol screening devices for previous DUI offenders, and continued public education on the severe consequences.
Pedestrians and cyclists must also take precautions like making themselves visible by wearing hi-viz clothing, avoiding risky areas, and being hyperaware of all nearby vehicles. But ultimately, eliminating drunk driving altogether is the only way to fully protect vulnerable road users.
If you’ve been hit by an intoxicated driver while walking or cycling, visit our office to discuss your case at the following address:
700 Bishop St, Ste 2100, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
Call us today for a free consultation on (808) 745-1592.