A new report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association has revealed that pedestrian fatalities are on the rise.
The Governor's Highway Safety Association report stated that the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2015 increased by an estimated 10 percent. Even more alarming, the report's preliminary data indicated that pedestrians accounted for about 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2015. The percentage of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents is the highest in 25 years.
According to one of the engineers who co-wrote the report, the association is projecting the largest year-to-year increase since records have been kept, which is very alarming.
One of the most common causes of pedestrian fatalities includes distracted driving and walking. More than ever, people are glued to their smart phones and are not paying attention to their surroundings, which can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
Alcohol also contributes to the growing problem as 34 percent of pedestrians were killed by a driver who had a blood alcohol level at or above most states' legal intoxication limit of .08.
Unsafe roadways that are not designed to benefit pedestrians also account for many of the reported fatalities. But some driving behaviors can quickly reduce these pedestrian fatalities, such as enforcing slower speed limits.
The U.S. is behind in protecting pedestrians from vehicle accidents. Specific regulations in the European Union keep pedestrians safer by making sure vehicles absorb more of the impact during a pedestrian collision. In Sweden, the Vision Zero campaign has significantly reduced the amount of pedestrian deaths by aggressively separating people from cars, reducing speed limits and expanding pedestrian zones. In recent years, New York City has adopted many of these Vision Zero regulations.
Still, most urban areas in the U.S. were not designed for keeping pedestrians safe. As more Americans start walking and riding bicycles, progress must be made toward improvements resulting in fewer fatalities.
If you have sustained a pedestrian injury that was the result of a negligent driver, the Knoxville auto accident lawyers at Greg Coleman will fight for your justice. Our injury lawyers have recovered more than $250 million for our clients and are ready to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today by filling out a free and confidential evaluation form.
