Florida Leads Nation in Pedestrian Accidents
Florida is the nation's leading pedestrian danger zone. It's no wonder a recent report issued by Washington-based pro-transit advocacy group Transportation for America revealed statistics that indicated one pedestrian was hit by a motorist every 7 minutes between the years 2000 and 2009.The report-Dangerous by Design 2011-indicates this figure is "the equivalent to a passenger-loaded jumbo jet crashing every month."
Unfortunately, based on a "pedestrian danger index" developed by report researchers, four of the five most dangerous cities for pedestrians in the country are located in the state of Florida. These include:
- Orlando-Kissimmee
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
- Jacksonville
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach
A second study compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association revealed the top four states with the highest pedestrian deaths in 2009: California, Texas, New York, and Florida. According to the study, California ranked first in the nation for the total number of pedestrian deaths; Florida ranked second.
Roads Built for Speed, Not Pedestrian Traffic
Pedestrian safety has traditionally been ignored by state transportation departments focused on providing fast, unencumbered traffic flow. Over the years, only 1.5 percent of available federal funds have been allocated to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
However, Florida pedestrian accident attorneys, advocates for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders have been advocating for more pedestrian safety measures and investments. More sidewalks, bike lanes, adequate lighting and other features are just a few.
Such investments should really help improve the safety of children, the elderly and the poor-groups that, unfortunately, have a high risk of being in auto-pedestrian accidents.
