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With its bustling streets and growing population, Memphis is a city where pedestrian safety should be a top priority. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents remain a significant concern throughout Tennessee, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Speeding and distracted driving are two leading causes of these accidents—behaviors that drivers can control but frequently underestimate in terms of their dangers.
Our Shelby County personal injury lawyers at The Gold Law Firm explain.
The Dangers of Speeding in Urban Areas
Speeding is prevalent in Memphis, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. When drivers exceed posted speed limits, their ability to react to sudden changes diminishes drastically. Whether a child darting across a residential street or a pedestrian legally crossing at a crosswalk, a speeding driver has less time to brake or swerve to avoid a collision.
Moreover, speeding increases the severity of an impact. Studies show that the likelihood of a pedestrian surviving a collision decreases sharply as vehicle speeds increase.
For example:
- At 20 mph, a pedestrian has a 90% chance of survival.
- At 40 mph, that survival rate drops to just 10%.
In Memphis, areas like Poplar Avenue and Union Avenue are notorious for speeding-related incidents. These high-traffic roads often see vehicles traveling well above the speed limit, endangering pedestrians who must navigate crosswalks or wait near curbs.
Distracted Driving: A Growing Epidemic
Distracted driving has become a modern-day epidemic fueled by the rise of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems. In Memphis, like many cities across the U.S., drivers are increasingly engaging in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as:
- Texting or scrolling through social media.
- Adjusting GPS or music systems.
- Eating or drinking.
- Conversing with passengers or using hands-free devices.
When drivers take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, they may fail to notice pedestrians, especially in urban environments where foot traffic is high. Distracted drivers often miss important visual cues, such as crossing signals or pedestrians waiting at crosswalks, leading to tragic accidents.
The Deadly Combination
Speeding and distracted driving are dangerous on their own, but when combined, they create a deadly situation for pedestrians. For instance, a distracted driver speeding through an intersection is less likely to notice a pedestrian crossing until it’s too late to stop.
Memphis’ vibrant neighborhoods, like Midtown and Downtown, are hotspots for pedestrian activity. Unfortunately, these areas also have higher accidents due to speeding and distracted driving. The consequences are often devastating for victims and their families, resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages.
Gold Law Firm: Advocates for Memphis Pedestrian Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a speeding or distracted driver, the Memphis personal injury lawyers at The Gold Law Firm are here to help. With over 165 five-star reviews, hundreds of client testimonials, and tens of millions in damages collected for clients throughout Tennessee, our experienced legal team is dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Call or text (901) 244-5003 or contact us online for your free consultation today.