Pedestrian fatalities continue to be a major issue in the state of Florida. According to information from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 702 pedestrian fatalities in 2018 out of a total of 9,331 crashes of varying types across the state.
Florida is frequently ranked as the most dangerous state for Pedestrians. There were 5,433 total pedestrian deaths from 2008 to 2017, a rate of 2.73 deaths per 100,000 people. The most dangerous area in the state was the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area, with 656 fatalities and an average of 2.82 per 100,000 in that time.
Residents have frequently complained about the lack of safety measures for pedestrians in their local areas. For residents and city planners, some of the suggested improvements have been as follows:
- Signage: Safety advocates say there currently is not enough pedestrian walk signage, and that it could help decrease accident statistics.
- Barriers: Various barriers between sidewalks and curbs could help to force pedestrians to use sidewalks. Natural barriers, such as shrubs and other vegetation, are the most common suggestion.
- Roundabouts: One common proposal is the creation of roundabouts to keep traffic moving at a low speed with fewer lights.
- Raised medians: Raised medians can prevent the “suicide lane” that is often a danger to drivers and pedestrians.
- Bicycle lanes: More dedicated bicycle lanes can make the roads safer for cyclists.
For more information about potential changes that could improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians on Florida roads, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.