Florida Towns See More Pedestrians

Florida is known for being the “Sunshine State,” its numerous beaches, and for being home to many amusement parks. It also happens to be home to nine of the 20 most dangerous cities for pedestrians, including Tampa. Perhaps one reason for this is that Florida towns typically have more pedestrians. With such great weather, abundant tourism, and significant traffic congestion throughout the state, it’s no wonder so many people are on foot. As the weather warms up and the coronavirus threat declines, Florida cities are seeing more and more pedestrians each day.

The Startling Statistics

Most people don’t understand how risky it is to be a pedestrian in Florida until they look at the statistics. Consider the following:

• South Florida saw 1,675 pedestrian deaths between 2010 and 2019
• There were 2.8 deaths per 100,000 residents also between 2010 and 2019
• The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that almost 6,590 pedestrian deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2019.
• The same study from the GHSA revealed that just five states, including Florida, saw 47 percent of all pedestrian fatalities
• In 2019, pedestrians represented 17 percent of all traffic-related fatalities; in 2009, they only accounted for 12 percent

Speeding Increases the Risk

Already the worst of all states, Florida’s Pedestrian Danger Index rose by more than 10 percent in the past two years. Florida’s nice weather can’t be the only factor in its lack of pedestrian safety. It’s notably worse than its neighboring Sun Belt states. Pedestrian accident and safety experts suggest that it has more to do with sprawl and roads designed for speed instead of pedestrian safety.

In heavily developed areas, points of conflict are common. These are areas where streets and cars cross, cars are going in and out of driveways, and pedestrians are crossing roads on foot. Experts say the best way to keep these conflict zones safe is to reduce the speed of traffic.

At slower speeds, drivers have more time to visualize a pedestrian and stop their car. Slower moving vehicles require less stopping distance. Even if a vehicle hits a pedestrian at a slow speed, their injuries are likely to be less severe. According to a study by AAA, if a motorist is traveling at only 20 mph and strikes a pedestrian, the pedestrian has a 10 percent chance of suffering a severe injury. However, if the car is traveling at 30 mph, the pedestrian’s risk increases to 47 percent.

Were You or Someone You Love Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Seek Sound Legal Advice from a Tampa Personal Injury Attorney Today

Matthews Injury Law is here to support pedestrian accident victims and their families. We know that the consequences of such an accident can be devastating and even permanent. You deserve compensation for your losses. Contact our seasoned Tampa pedestrian accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation. We can help you understand your legal options and rights. We will fight tirelessly for you and your family to obtain justice in your accident. Call 813-530-1000 or contact us online.