Florida 2nd in Nation for Pedestrian Accident Fatalities

Florida 2nd in Nation for Pedestrian Accident Fatalities

While most forms of auto accidents are on the decline, accidents involving autos and pedestrians aren’t. A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association indicated that pedestrian deaths are the highest they’ve been, in over 30 years.

2018 saw more pedestrian accident fatalities than in any other year, since 1990. Five states, representing one third of the population, account for 46% of all pedestrian accident deaths. Florida ranks second, behind only California, for the number of pedestrian fatalities.

Factors in Pedestrian Accident Fatalities

Low Light Levels – Walking at dark poses a more significant risk to pedestrians. In the last 10 years, nighttime pedestrian deaths have increased by 45% Today, nearly 75% of all pedestrian accident fatalities occur after dark.

Road Type – While all roads can be dangerous, local streets and state highways account for 60% of all pedestrian deaths. Surprisingly, interstates account for another 10%. Some of these fatalities were motorists who exited their vehicle due to crashes or mechanical problems and were struck by another vehicle.

Location – Intersections only accounted for 26% of all pedestrian deaths. The majority of pedestrian fatalities, 72%, occurred at non-intersection locations.

Alcohol Impairment – In nearly half of all pedestrian deaths, alcohol or drugs are determined to be a factor. In 32% of accidents involving a pedestrian fatality, the pedestrian had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. In 17% of pedestrian accident fatalities, the driver had a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

Drug Impairment – Drug impairment was a factor in 18% of all pedestrian accident fatalities, ages 18+. The most common drug reported was methamphetamine.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

• If you’re walking at night, wear bright clothing or carry a flashlight.
• Walk on the sidewalk. If a sidewalk isn’t available, walk facing traffic and as far to the left as possible.
• Cross the street only in the crosswalk at marked intersections or at street corners.
• Stop before crossing the road. Don’t dart into the street.
• Pay attention to all traffic signals.
• Before crossing, look left, right and left again before crossing. Make sure all traffic has stopped before you proceed. Continue looking in both directions as you cross.
• Watch for turning traffic or drivers backing out of driveways.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one have been injured or killed by a motor vehicle while walking, the Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated law firm of Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A. is waiting to help you. We offer free case reviews for all pedestrian accident claims. We also handle all pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no attorney’s fees, unless we settle your claim or win a favorable verdict in court. You can contact us today by filling out our case review form or calling us at 941.951.1800.