Fatal pedestrian accidents can occur at any time and there are various factors which may increase the probability of a pedestrian accident. For example, certain areas may see an increase in the number of pedestrians during the day, when people may be more likely to take to the road. However, pedestrian safety may decrease during the night, when visibility is reduced, and other problems become more prevalent (such as drunk driving).
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a majority of the fatal pedestrian accidents that took place between 2010 and 2015 occurred while pedestrians were out at night. During these years, 72 percent of pedestrian fatalities happened during the nighttime hours, 24 percent occurred during the daytime, 1.6 percent occurred at dawn and 2 percent took place during dusk.
Clearly, walking during the night can be very dangerous. Drivers may have more difficulty seeing pedestrians, so it is crucial to do whatever you can to avoid an accident. For example, be especially cautious before using a crosswalk and always be aware of vehicles on the road. Sometimes, people have no choice but to walk at night, such as those who need to get to work even though they do not have access to public transportation or a vehicle. Regrettably, some drivers are not vigilant while they are behind the wheel and others may drive recklessly, showing no regard for the well-being of pedestrians and those riding in other vehicles. Ultimately, you should be very cautious whether you decide to walk during the day or at nighttime.