Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise in Florida: A Growing Concern
According to a report in the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper, Florida’s capital recently experienced its eighth pedestrian fatality of the year. This tragic incident from last week highlights an extremely concerning trend of pedestrian fatalities across Florida. Statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles report 433 fatalities and 5,498 injuries from pedestrian accidents in 2024, out of 6,882 pedestrian-related crashes. The proportion of accidents in which both pedestrian injuries and fatalities occur is much higher than in any other type of motor vehicle accident. There have been 2,032 motor vehicle accident fatalities across Florida to date in 2024. Pedestrian accidents represent only 2.5% of Florida’s 257,622 motor vehicle accidents, but they account for over 20% of the fatalities. This disparity underscores the critical need for enhanced pedestrian safety measures throughout the state.
Measures to Address Pedestrian Fatalities in Florida
In response to these alarming statistics, Florida officials are working diligently to improve pedestrian safety. Tallahassee, along with Florida State University (FSU), is making great efforts to reduce the risk of pedestrian fatalities. After the death of an FSU student struck by a speeding vehicle in May, both FSU’s President and the mayor of Tallahassee held public meetings to announce new safety measures. These measures include lowering speed limits around campus, improving road signage, and raising intersections to increase pedestrian visibility. City commissioners are also considering joining Vision Zero, a national initiative to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero. Law enforcement has added heightened patrols in high-traffic areas, focusing on speeding, drunk driving, and seatbelt enforcement.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
Pedestrian fatalities are far more common than many people realize and often result in severe injury or death. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys have more than 200 years of combined experience in representing victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including pedestrian fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian fatality, contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. today at 877-694-6079 or contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation.