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A new report issued in March 2016 by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association estimates that the number of pedestrians killed in traffic increased 10 percent from 2014 to 2015 in the U.S.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) reports that on average, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every seven minutes in traffic crashes. Fourteen percent of all traffic fatalities and an estimated 3 percent of those injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Almost half of all pedestrian deaths occur in just four states - California, Texas, Florida and New York.  

One such fatality happened in Naples when an eighty-nine-year-old woman who was crossing at a pedestrian crosswalk was struck and killed by a vehicle backing out a parking area in early May.

What are the primary causes of pedestrians killed in traffic?

U.S. News and other news organizations reported that the primary causes of pedestrian deaths were distracted driving, increased number of drivers on the roads, drunk drivers and pedestrians, and speeding.

1. Distracted Driving 

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists report that people behind the wheels of passenger vehicles are distracted more than 50 percent of the time. That doubles their risk of a crash.

2. More drivers on the road

The price of gas has plunged, and motorists are putting more miles behind the wheel than ever before.

3.Drunk drivers and pedestrians 

Nearly three-quarters of pedestrian deaths occur after dark, and a third of those killed had been drinking alcohol, according to NHTSA data. By comparison, about 15 percent of motorists involved in those crashes had a blood alcohol content at the legal limit or higher.

4. Speeding

Higher vehicle speeds increase both the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle and the severity of injury, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). 

What is being done to reduce pedestrian deaths? 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHA)reports that pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements depend on an integrated approach that involves the 4 E's: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Services.

Engineering

Exclusive pedestrian signal phases; sidewalks; pedestrian overpasses and underpasses; raised and refuge medians; pedestrian- activated, high-intensity crosswalk (HAWK) signals; and many other treatments are all associated with a reduction in pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes.

Enforcement 

Sustained high-visibility enforcement in conjunction with media attention will increase the public’s perception of the risk of being stopped by the police, thereby increasing compliance with traffic laws.

Education

As part of the FDOT Initiative, the “Alert Today Alive Tomorrow” campaign is being presented via TV, radio, social media, transit advertising, local education, and enforcement activities. The message that “Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident” is a reminder for all roadway users to pay attention and follow the rules of the road. 

“Pedestrians are very vulnerable. It is a driver’s responsibility to always be alert to his/her surroundings and looking for pedestrians,” said Charlotte County Pedestrian Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey. “If injured as the result of an accident caused by a driver, contact our experienced team of attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.” 

Charlotte County Pedestrian Accident Attorney, 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.