East Chicago Car Accident Kills Senior Pedestrian
A 78-year-old pedestrian is dead following an East Chicago car crash on Saturday morning. The driver of the vehicle, 25-year-old Kevin Rodriguez, was charged with DUI, leaving an accident, reckless homicide, and driving without insurance.
The senior pedestrian, Zivojin Mitrovich, was struck just before 6am while crossing the street. Chicago police say he was pronounced dead at the Illinois auto crash site.
Senior Pedestrians
According to multiple studies, elderly pedestrians have a greater chance of becoming involved in a pedestrian accident than their older adult counterparts. Safety.com reports that people over age 65 comprise 23% of all pedestrian deaths, and their chances of dying in a pedestrian accident is twice that of people in younger age groups.
Reasons why senior pedestrians are more prone to pedestrian accidents:
• Impaired hearing or eyesight
• They may be taking medication
• Injuries, such as hip injuries or other physical impairments, may make them move slower than other pedestrians
• Slower reflexes
• Slower reaction time
• Loss of peripheral vision
• More prone to fall accidents
• May need help getting up after falling
As a rule, motorists must be careful when operating their vehicles around pedestrians. However, they must be especially cautious when there are children or senior pedestrians crossing the street or walking on the sidewalk. Unlike teenagers and other adults, elderly people and young children may not be as physically agile or have reflexes that are as honed.
Not only are elderly seniors more prone to getting involved in a pedestrian accident, but recovery from resulting injuries can take a longer time. In some cases, preexisting medical conditions or advanced age can lead to additional complications or death.
Injuries or death from a Chicago pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent driver can be grounds for personal injury or wrongful death recovery.
Elderly man killed in crash, driver charged, ABClocalgo.com, March 29, 2009
Street Smarts for Senior Pedestrians
Related Web Resources:
Focusing on the Senior Pedestrian, WalkingInfo.org
Contact our Chicago personal injury law firm to request your free consultation.
