Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Alberta

Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Alberta with hundreds of accidents happening every year. Because pedestrians aren’t protected by car frames or airbags, even a minor accident can lead to serious injuries or death. While there are many reasons pedestrian accidents happen, negligence is one of the leading causes.

Let’s break down the most common causes of pedestrian accidents and what drivers and pedestrians can do to stay safe.

Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause of Pedestrian Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the top reasons for pedestrian accidents in Alberta. When drivers get distracted—by activities like checking their phone, adjusting the radio, or just not paying attention—they’re less likely to notice pedestrians walking close to the road or crossing the street. According to the Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics report released by the Government of Alberta in 2021, 20% of all accidents were because of distracted drivers. Pedestrians rely on drivers to stay alert and focused while they drive, so distractions can be incredibly dangerous.

Speeding: The Higher the Speed, the Less Time to React to Pedestrians

Driving too fast is another reason for pedestrian accidents. Speed limits exist for a reason—faster cars take longer to stop. If a pedestrian suddenly steps into a crosswalk, a speeding driver lowers their ability to stop in time. Plus, the faster the car, the worse the injuries for the pedestrian might be. Traffic collision data shows that high-speed crashes often lead to more severe injuries, making it clear why following speed limits is so important for the safety of pedestrians on or near our roadways in Alberta.

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Many pedestrian accidents occur in crosswalks or intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way. Alberta law mandates that drivers must yield to pedestrians at designated crossings; however, some drivers ignore or fail to notice these crossings, putting pedestrians at significant risk. This driver negligence is often because of impatience or a lack of awareness, particularly in high-traffic areas where pedestrians frequently cross. According to Alberta transportation statistics, 43.9% of the drivers in casualty collisions involving a pedestrian were because the driver failed to yield right of way to a pedestrian, underscoring the need for both driver education and strict enforcement of right-of-way laws.

Impaired Driving: Diminished Control and Judgment

People driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is still a big problem in Alberta. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and worse judgment, which makes it easier to miss seeing a pedestrian altogether or stopping in time for someone who has stepped into a designated crossing. For pedestrians, this can be deadly given how vulnerable they are in a car accident.

Bad Weather and Poor Visibility

Alberta’s weather can make driving tricky, especially in winter with slippery conditions and decreased visibility. Snow, rain, and fog make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Icy or wet roads also mean it takes longer for drivers to stop so they have less time to react. While drivers can’t control the weather, they can certainly control how they drive in bad conditions. Slowing down and being extra cautious can go a long way to keep pedestrians and drivers safe.

Poor Visibility at Night

Visibility is lower at night as well. Alberta’s graduated licensing program specifically forbids driving on a learner’s licence between midnight and 5 a.m. The law for motorcyclists with a learner’s licence is even stricter, defining nighttime as beginning one hour after sunset or midnight (whichever is earlier) and ending one hour before sunrise or 5 a.m. (whichever is later).

While fully licensed motorists are permitted to drive at any time including night, it still comes with its challenges and risks. Poorly lit roadways can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists. Posted speed limits apply to ideal driving conditions, which include bright daytime light. Drivers should reduce their speed at night and be mindful of their surroundings. Pedestrians can make themselves easier to spot by wearing brightly coloured or reflective gear.

Unfamiliarity with Pedestrian-Friendly Zones

Alberta has many areas where there are lots of pedestrians near roads —especially in urban areas and near schools, parks, office buildings, and shopping districts. Drivers unfamiliar with these areas—or those who just ignore signs and reduced speed limits—put pedestrians at high risk. The Government of Alberta has worked hard to make these areas safer with rules like lower speed limits and clearer signage, but accidents still happen when drivers don’t pay proper attention.

How to Make Alberta’s Roads Safer for Pedestrians

Making roads safer for pedestrians isn’t just up to drivers—everyone has a role to play.

Drivers: Stay alert, obey speed limits, and give pedestrians the right of way.
Pedestrians: Use crosswalks, avoid distractions like your phone, and wear bright clothing at night.
Communities: Add better lighting, clearer and more visible signage, and conduct public safety campaigns to remind everyone to be careful.

Drivers’ Care Reduces Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in Alberta are often the result of preventable driver negligence. By understanding and addressing the leading causes that contribute to pedestrian accidents—distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, impaired driving, poor visibility, and unfamiliarity with pedestrian zones—drivers can play a big role in protecting pedestrians.

Steps to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident in Calgary

If you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Alberta, here are some things you can do right after an accident that has caused serious injury:

Get the driver’s information (take photographs of their driver’s licence and licence plate)
Ask for contact details of any witnesses
Contact the police
Contact your insurer
If you are injured, go to a hospital or a doctor right away
Be cautious and listen to your body. Your injuries may only become apparent after the adrenaline has worn off.
Contact a lawyer if you have been seriously injured as you may be eligible for compensation

We’re Here to Help – Contact Our Alberta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you know was a pedestrian struck by a negligent driver in Alberta, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress that come in the wake of this kind of incident can take a serious toll on your life.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we offer free initial consultations to all potential clients. We’ll go over your case with you and provide legal feedback tailored to your situation. Plus, we work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. In fact, you won’t pay us at all unless we win your case.

Ready to take the first step? Our toll-free number, 1-888-494-7191, is open 24/7. Please call to schedule your free consultation with us today.