College Students: Be Mindful of Pedestrian Accidents This Fall
As the weather cools and college students across Northeast Pennsylvania return to campus, more people will be walking on sidewalks, visiting the town, and enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, this also means we may see an increase in pedestrian accidents this fall. Drivers have a responsibility to watch the road for any people crossing and potential hazards. But when accidents happen and you are the pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident, know that you have rights. The personal injury attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam stand with those injured at the hands of a negligent driver and will get you the justice you deserve.
Local Colleges, Universities Policies on Student Cars on Campus
While Northeast Pennsylvania encompasses both rural and urban campuses, many universities in our area have rules and regulations about students having vehicles on campus, leaving many students dependent on walking, bicycles, and public transportation.
- Wilkes University: Parking is not a guarantee.
- King’s College: Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Penn State Wilkes-Barre: Vehicles must be registered.
- Misericordia University: First-year resident students are not permitted to park a vehicle on campus.
- Marywood University: All students are permitted to have vehicles.
- University of Scranton: First-year and sophomore resident students are not permitted to bring a vehicle.
- Penn State Scranton: Vehicles must be registered.
- Penn State Hazleton: Vehicles must be registered.; commuter or resident status determines where students may park.
- Keystone College: Vehicles must be registered.
- Luzerne County Community College: Vehicles must be registered and students must park in approved lots.
- Lackawanna College: Parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When you consider the incoming class size of each university, this leaves many students utilizing facilities, stores, and accommodations within walking distance of their apartments and dorms.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
While it is difficult to say how many pedestrian accidents nationwide involve students, many universities include this data in their yearly reports. For example, in 2014, a Wilkes sophomore was struck by a speeding vehicle near Kirby Park.
This example is just one of dozens occurring in our own communities each year. But why do they happen? Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Crosswalk accidents due to defects
- Vehicles failing to yield
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
While many drivers blame jaywalking as the cause for these college campus accidents, the reality is that in many cases, pedestrians were in the right of way to pass.
Where do most pedestrian accidents occur?
While pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere, at any time, those involving college students often occur between noon to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight according to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University.
In addition to timeframes, the study found that many roads where accidents were likely to occur were rated as fair or poor in pedestrian safety, mostly because of the lack of synchronization between walk signals and traffic lights.
While we often blame driver negligence, because of technical failures of crosswalks and street lights, sometimes further investigation is needed to determine fault.
Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians
While in some cases a pedestrian may maintain some bumps and bruises following an accident, in many cases, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic including:
- Internal organ damage
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken limbs
If you are a college student in Northeast Pennsylvania and are involved in a pedestrian accident this academic year, know that the pedestrian accident attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam are here to fight for your rights.
Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam: Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in the Scranton or surrounding areas, you have a right to seek medical compensation as well as additional losses for the injuries you have sustained. Our pedestrian accident attorneys of Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam will fight for you to bring you the justice you deserve. Contact us today.
