There were 6,227 pedestrians killed in accidents in the United States in 2018, marking the highest total of such deaths in a given year for nearly three decades. According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, most of these deaths occurred in population-dense cities, which is not particularly surprising.
While officials say there are still some issues with a lack of sufficient numbers of crosswalks and roads having been designed for rush-hour traffic rather than pedestrians, the big issue and factor behind the massive surge in pedestrian deaths is most likely a result of both drivers and pedestrians being more distracted by their phones, as well as a higher number of larger vehicles on the road.
Florida is one of five states — along with Arizona, California, Georgia and Texas — that make up half of all the pedestrian deaths in the United States.
Distraction a serious problem
The fact that drivers and pedestrians alike are having a harder time putting down their phones is a serious safety issue. Texting while driving is often considered an even more dangerous activity than driving drunk, and pedestrians with their phones in their hands cannot realistically say they are fully aware of their surroundings.
In addition to distracted driving, Florida’s weather and the designs of its roads and highways are key factors in the high numbers of pedestrian accidents in the state.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, work with an experienced Bradenton personal injury attorney at Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh.