Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are a major concern for road safety in Nebraska. While driver behavior is often cited as the main cause of pedestrian crashes, weather conditions also play a significant role. This article examines how various weather conditions in Nebraska contribute to pedestrian injuries and fatalities on the state’s roads.
Extreme Temperatures
Nebraska experiences large temperature variations throughout the year from bitterly cold winters to extremely hot summers. Both temperature extremes impact pedestrian safety.
During winter months, cold temperatures and snow/ice create slick, hazardous conditions for walking outside. Icy sidewalks and crosswalks increase the risk of slips and falls resulting in injuries. Snow banks also block lines of sight between pedestrians and vehicles at intersections.
In summer, high heat causes issues. Rising temperatures motivate more people to be active and walk outside. However, heat exhaustion becomes a risk during hot days. Dehydration and dizziness can cause stumbles or difficulty paying attention to traffic. Sun glare is also worse on hot, sunny days. Pedestrians may not see oncoming vehicles if sun glare is severe.
High Winds
Strong winds are frequent in Nebraska, especially in open rural areas. Sustained high winds or wind gusts impact pedestrian safety in multiple ways.
First, wind impacts pedestrian stability while walking outside. Strong crosswinds can throw off balance or blow individuals into hazards. Second, winds cause blowing dust and debris which impairs visibility for pedestrians and drivers. Pedestrians may not be able to see oncoming vehicles through thick blowing dust. Vehicle drivers also suffer reduced visibility of pedestrians crossing streets.
Finally, winds can cause traffic control issues. Crossing signals, streetlights and other safety infrastructure may sway or fail in extreme winds. It is common for pedestrian injuries to rise in Nebraska during periods of strong winds events.
Severe Weather Events
Severe storms in Nebraska produce heavy rain, hail, lightning and tornadoes – all hazardous for pedestrians.
Heavy rain slickens pavement, reduces traction and causes poor visibility for drivers and pedestrians alike. Those walking outside in heavy rain face higher risks of falls, while also being harder to see by passing traffic.
Large hail is also dangerous, as frozen chunks of ice rain down. Pedestrians caught outside in hailstorms can be pummeled and injured by hailstones. Hail also leaves behind slippery conditions once it collects on the ground.
Lightning is another severe weather threat to pedestrian safety. Individuals stuck outside during thunderstorms are vulnerable to lightning strikes. Even if lightning does not directly strike a person, it can explode nearby objects or startle pedestrians into the path of vehicles during storms.
Finally, tornadoes, although rarely deadly, present extreme dangers to pedestrians through extremely high winds, flying debris and poor visibility. Pedestrians should seek sturdy shelter immediately when tornado warnings are issued. Being outdoors significantly raises risks of severe injury or death.
Nighttime Darkness
Pedestrian injuries tend to increase after dusk in Nebraska when natural light fades. From October to March, the state experiences prolonged hours of darkness.
Dim evening lighting makes it harder for pedestrians to see vehicles, obstacles and changes in pavement elevation. Pedestrians wear light, bright or reflective clothing less often at night. This reduces their visibility to drivers at nighttime.
Fatigue and drowsiness also increase for both pedestrians and drivers during nighttime hours versus broad daylight. Walking pedestrians may pay less attention and make riskier choices at intersections. Drivers also tend to be less alert with slower reaction times. Impaired night vision combined with reduced alertness is a recipe for pedestrian injury crashes.
To improve nighttime pedestrian safety, extra street lighting should be installed along major roads and crossings. Reflective paint on curbs and striping also helps. Pedestrians need to be vigilant about making themselves visible to traffic after dark.
The Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Certain pedestrian groups in Nebraska are especially vulnerable to weather-related injuries. Children, seniors, impaired or intoxicated individuals all face higher risks.
Children have less experience anticipating dangers and avoiding injuries. Inclement weather presents hazards that exceed the abilities of young pedestrians. Children also tend to be distracted and pay less attention to traffic.
Older citizens face vision, hearing, mobility and stability challenges that raise injury risks in poor weather. Walking surfaces like ice and snow can lead to dangerous falls for seniors.
Impaired pedestrians who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs have reduced coordination and judgment abilities. Their risks increase substantially while walking unsafely in hazardous weather conditions.
A wide range of weather conditions contribute to pedestrian injuries and fatalities in Nebraska. By understanding these risks and taking preventative measures, pedestrians can protect themselves year-round. Drivers also need to be alert to the threats posed by low visibility, slick roads and unsafe pedestrian behavior during inclement weather. With proper precautions for the conditions, Nebraskans can make walking safer for everyone, but when the worst does happen, it is essential to contact a personal injury lawyer from Monge & Associates.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Nebraska, Colorado, and Illinois.
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