October is National Pedestrian Safety Month
At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian, which is why pedestrian safety is an essential part of our daily lives. This month we want to remind pedestrians and drivers that staying safe is a shared responsibility. Florida is ranked among the top states in the country with the most pedestrian deaths on roadways. This is according to a report released from the traffic safety technology company, Alumint. It named Florida as the third-highest ranking state in the country for pedestrian fatalities, with Miami-Dade, Broward and Pinellas counties among the most dangerous for pedestrians.
The Report also highlights the effectiveness of reducing traffic incidents through implementation of speed cameras—a strategy now supported by Florida state law HB 657, which allows cities and counties to use cameras to target speeders in school zones.
Altumint’s report ranks Florida’s counties in terms of pedestrian traffic fatalities, revealing which areas of the state are the most dangerous.
More urban counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Pinellas have higher total numbers of pedestrian traffic fatalities, more rural counties like Hamilton, Dixie, and Suwannee fare worse on a per capita basis.
All Ages Are Vulnerable When It Comes to Pedestrian Accidents
More than 17.7% of all traffic deaths in 2022 were pedestrians, according to Injury Facts. Every age group is vulnerable, but the largest number of pedestrian deaths occur among 55- to 64-year-olds (1,351). While children under aged 5 to 9 experienced the fewest number of pedestrian deaths (51 in 2022), these deaths still represented nearly 16.3% of all traffic deaths for this age group.
The following tips will help you stay safe as a pedestrian:
- Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
- Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals.
- Cross the street at marked crosswalks.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you.
- Do not walk distracted—avoid using cell phones and/or earbuds.
- Avoid alcohol and drug use when walking.
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing and use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
Traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities remain a major public health problem in Florida despite progress made in traffic engineering and vehicle safety. Pedestrian accidents happen when a car, truck, motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle hits a person who may be simply walking on the road, attempting to cross the street, or just standing on a sidewalk. Pedestrian accidents in Florida are extraordinarily dangerous and often lead to serious injuries and death. According to the CDC, over 7,000 people are killed on our highways and roads in pedestrian accidents every year. That means one person dies approximately every 75 minutes. In fact, one out of every six people who died in car accidents is a pedestrian.
FLORIDA PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
AVAILABLE 24/7, CALL US AT 1-866-597-4529
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Miami have decades of experience representing injured people and their families in car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, and scooter accidents with pedestrians and/or runners. Attorney Spencer Aronfeld is an avid runner and understands the risks associated with sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
As a Miami personal injury law firm, we understand the law that protects Florida’s pedestrians and runners when they are injured or killed in traffic accidents. Florida’s Statutes Section 316.130 governs the laws for pedestrians in Florida. There are specific requirements and prohibitions as to how pedestrians can cross the street, use sidewalks, and traverse bridges.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident anywhere in the State of Florida, it is important to speak with a lawyer who understands the law and can help you get the full value of your claim. You may be entitled to receive money for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
SOURCES:
