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In its Dangerous by Design 2021 report, issued in March, SmartGrowthAmerica.org says the number of pedestrians struck and killed by drivers across the nation increased by 45 percent from 2010 – 2019.  The years 2016 – 2019 were the most deadly years for pedestrian deaths since 1990, with 53,435 walkers being hit and killed. This equates to more than 17 people dying per day (6,237 per year) in 2019.

Florida ranked number one in the 2021 report with the most pedestrian fatalities, 5,893. Within the Florida statistics, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area ranked 11^th, down from 8^th place in the previous reporting period in 2019, a 24.5 percent decrease.

In a media briefing, Smart Growth America explained that changes in road design may increase pedestrian safety. We need more crosswalks, increased vegetation, and tighter lanes to protect pedestrians crossing roads. 

Dan Moser, the founding member of BikeWalkLee, a Lee County safe roads advocacy organization, said in The News-Press, “I…can only say we aren’t making enough progress, especially since we had 22 pedestrian and 8 bicycle fatalities in 2020 here in Lee County. Although our efforts to increase Complete Streets via policy are beginning to improve our infrastructure, we are still building roads/highways that induce speed. Until we get that under control, Lee County will continue to have too high of a percentage of non-motorists among our total traffic crashes/injuries/fatalities.”

Jay Anderson, the executive director of Stay Alive…Just Drive! Inc. commented, “As long as we continue to build roads to accommodate motor vehicles and not all users, the problem will persist.”

Experts advocate for walk audit assessments. AmericaWalks.org says anyone can conduct a walk audit assessment of pedestrian safety, accessibility, and comfort in a particular area. AmericaWalks partnered with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission to provide some tools to support walk audits, including 10 tips for planning and leading a walk audit at Walk Audit.

"If you or a loved one is injured when walking because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We have experience assisting victims of pedestrian accidents. One such case involved a child pedestrian who suffered a head injury and leg fracture when he was walking home from school. We are available to assist you 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Lawyer  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.