201704.02

Nationwide Statistics Show a Spike in Pedestrian Deaths

According to a recent report from NBC News’s Miami affiliate, pedestrian deaths rose sharply nationwide in 2016 by nearly 11 percent to almost 6,000 pedestrian fatalities nationwide. These statistics are based on an analysis of state-level data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Administration. The report also found the rate of growth in pedestrian deaths is increasing much more rapidly than that of motorists. To this point, the researchers found pedestrian deaths as a share of total motor vehicle crash deaths increased from 11 percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths in 2006 to 15 percent in 2015 and had increased by 25 percent between 2010 and 2015; overall motor vehicle-related fatalities only increased six percent during that period. Of the 50 states, Delaware, Florida and Arizona had the highest rates of pedestrian deaths relative to each of their respective populations.

The researchers determined that two causes in particular might have contributed to the recent increase in pedestrian deaths: the increasing frequency of distracted driving as well as the use of alcohol by both pedestrians and motorists. This increase in distracted driving also coincides with an explosion in the use of smartphones by pedestrians. With regards to acohol, the researchers found that 34 percent of the pedestrians killed had consumed alcohol beforehand, while 15 percent of the motorists who caused the fatalities had done so.

Florida Motorists’ Duties When Pedestrians Are Present

Motor vehicle drivers in Florida have heightened duties to exercise caution when pedestrians are present. Indeed, this is such an important issue that Florida’s Legislature has adopted a statute delineating motorist’s duties when pedestrians are present. Section 316.130(15), Florida Statutes, provides that “every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian.” Pursuant to this law, when encountering a red light, drivers must stop before reaching the crosswalk. If an intersection lacks a crosswalk, then a motorist must come to a full stop before reaching the intersection in order to allow any nearby pedestrians to cross the road.

Contact Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley if You Are a Pedestrian Who Was Injured By a Motor Vehicle

Pedestrians both in Florida and across the country are often injured by motor vehicles whose drivers are acting carelessly or negligently. If you are a pedestrian who has been injured by a motor vehicle in Florida or have a loved one who has been injured or killed by a motor vehicle, contact the experienced lawyers of Schwed, Adams, Sobel & McGinley today at (877) 694 6079 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com. Our firm has extensive experience in representing victims of pedestrian accidents who were injured or killed by a motorist who was not following Florida law.