A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates pedestrian accidents saw a significant increase in the first half of 2021, a sign that dangerous driving was on the uptick during the pandemic.
According to the preliminary figures released in the study, there were 3,441 pedestrians killed in accidents with vehicles in the first half of the year, which marked 507 more (17 percent more) than the same period in 2020. It is notable that this increase was not due to a slowdown in driving during the pandemic lockdowns that occurred in early 2020; deaths in 2021 were also up by approximately 17 percent over 2019 levels.
The study says there are several potential factors for this increase, including weaker traffic enforcement and an increase of reckless driving. Experts also point to greater numbers of distracted drivers on the road, which is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, who are not as easily noticeable as other vehicles.
In Florida, there were 444 vehicle-pedestrian collisions in the first half of 2021 versus 339 in 2020 and 285 in 2019.
Dangers of pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents are particularly dangerous because of the comparative lack of protection pedestrians have compared to drivers, who have an entire vehicle around them with numerous safety features. Florida has long been one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, for a variety of reasons: many out-of-town and vacationing drivers, wider roadways, more pedestrians, nicer weather.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek the counsel of an experienced Sarasota, FL personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh to determine your best legal options.