Florida has become one of the deadliest states in the country for pedestrians. According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Florida is one of five states that account for almost half of the pedestrian fatalities in the United States. The other four are Georgia, Texas, California and Arizona. During the first six months of 2019, motor vehicle accidents claimed the lives of 368 pedestrians in Florida.
A deadly year for pedestrians
Based on figures recorded between January and June, the GHSA expects 2019’s pedestrian death toll to reach about 6,950. If that figure proves to be correct, it would be the highest number of pedestrians killed on the nation’s roads in more than three decades. Clamping down on drunk driving could be the best way to protect foot traffic as alcohol impairment is a factor in almost 50% of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Florida dominates dangerous city list
Another study suggests that Florida’s cities are especially dangerous for pedestrians. When the advocacy group Smart Growth America ranked pedestrian safety in American cities, Orlando emerged as the most dangerous metropolitan area in America for those who travel on foot. The rest of the state fared little better as eight other Florida cities were among the nation’s 20 most dangerous for pedestrians. Between 2008 and 2017, 5,433 pedestrians were killed in Florida after motor vehicles struck them. When considering population numbers, that figure gives the state a Pedestrian Danger Index of 182. The PDI for the country as a whole is 55.3.
Damages in pedestrian accident lawsuits
The injuries suffered in pedestrian and bicycle accidents are often catastrophic. When pursuing civil remedies on behalf of badly injured accident victims, personal injury attorneys with experience in this area may take care to ensure that they seek sufficient damages to cover their client’s lost income and the cost of their long-term medical treatment.