In terms of raw numbers, Florida has the second highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the country.
It is also one of five states, all in the Sun Belt, which account for 47% of all pedestrian deaths, even though these same states only account for 33% of the population in this country.
However, not all of the news about Florida’s ongoing fight for better pedestrian safety is bad. For instance, between the first half of 2018 and the first half of 2019, Florida’s rate of pedestrian deaths increased by 3%.
Although the state cannot afford any increase, the hike was a lot lower than many other states, some of which saw pedestrian fatalities more than double.
That being said, Florida’s fatality rate for pedestrian deaths among every 100,000 residents remains among the highest in the nation.
Florida is taking steps to improve
It is hard to pin down exactly what has been contributing to the spike in fatal pedestrian accidents.
A recent analysis suggests that the vast majority of pedestrian take place at dark and also along roadways and away from intersections. This suggests that in many cases, drivers simply aren’t seeing pedestrians until it is too late. It may be easy to blame phones and other distractions for this sort.
Also, the same analysis found that alcohol frequently has a role in pedestrian crashes.
Florida is taking a number of steps to improve its poor showing with respect to pedestrian fatalities. In addition to enforcement campaigns and public education, the state is also investing money in improving intersections and adding lighting to streets and sidewalks.
Still, pedestrian accidents in this state too often leave victims dead or suffering from permanent and catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or brain trauma.
Sometimes the best way to prevent pedestrian accidents is for victims, or their families, to hold responsible parties accountable through an appropriate lawsuit.