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In the just released report Dangerous by Design 2016, Smart Growth America (SGA) ranks the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area as the number 1 most dangerous metro area for pedestrians. SGA ranks the 104 largest metro areas in the country using the Pedestrian Danger Index or PDI. PDI is a calculation of the share of local commuters who walk to work and the most recent data on pedestrian deaths. When looking at the top 20 most dangerous metro areas for walking, 9 are located in Florida. 

In the next 24 hours, on average, 430 people will be treated in an emergency room for traffic-related pedestrian injuries. In the next 2 hours, on average, one pedestrian will die from injuries in a traffic crash, according to NHTSA (National Traffic Safety Administration). 

Who is most at risk? 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that: 

• Over the past 10 years, the average age of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes has remained almost unchanged at age 46.
• Pedestrians ages 65 and older accounted for 19 percent of all pedestrian deaths and an estimated 10 percent of all pedestrians injured
• 5 percent of all pedestrian fatalities and an estimated 15 percent of all pedestrians injured were children 14 and younger. 

What are the most significant contributing factors to pedestrian fatalities? 

According to Pedbikesafe.org: 

• 72 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes occur between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m., where darkness and alcohol use are more predominant factors.
• 41 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on weekends.
• 47 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes involved either a pedestrian or driver under the influence of alcohol.
• 32 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred on roads with speed limits of 50 miles per hour or greater. 

How can motorists help prevent injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes? 

A widespread problem is a driver’s failure to yield to pedestrians. There are programs in some states and cities that, according to Pedbikeinfo.org, combine education programs and vigorous enforcement measures. These programs, according to the organization, have often brought improvement. 

Although the programs have improved yield-to-pedestrian compliance, they vary widely but have the following in common: 

• Institutional and political support for the program
• Motorists are taught to expect pedestrians on the roadway and know that they must yield to them.
• Publicity measures remind motorists of their responsibility for pedestrian safety.
• Yield-to-pedestrian ordinances are enforced consistently. 

How can pedestrians help prevent injuries and deaths from motor vehicle crashes? 

Pedestrians can, according to NHTSA, do the following to help in the prevention of these accidents: 

• Pedestrians can increase their visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and by wearing retro-reflective clothing.
• Whenever possible, they can cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.  
• It is much safer to walk on a sidewalk or path, but if a sidewalk or path is not available, walk on the shoulder and facing traffic. 

What is being done by Lee County? 

In January 2017, Lee County commissioners proposed a pilot plan to look at dangerous intersections after the release of the Dangerous by Design 2016 traffic study. 

ABC-7 reported that Commissioner Brian Hamman recommended the county begin reviewing options to make some of the most dangerous areas safe, including San Carlos Boulevard, Palm Beach Boulevard, and Bayshore Road. Also, in the coming months, the county will work with the state to determine how the roads and nearby intersections can be altered with signage, road markings, and possible additional crosswalks to improve safety. 

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey reminds drivers and pedestrians to be careful. However, if they are injured in a pedestrian-vehicle accident seek medical treatment first; then contact our experienced team of personal injury attorneys.

Fort Myers Personal Injury 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 (1%) percent 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 the 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 239.793.7748.