A new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association showed that the number of pedestrians killed in 2018 was the highest since 1990. In 2018 alone, an estimated 6,227 pedestrian accident victims lost their lives. In fact, between 2009 and 2017, pedestrian fatalities increased 45%. Why have so many pedestrians been killed in traffic accidents across the country? And how does Arizona rank in pedestrian safety?
REASONS PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES ARE ON THE RISE
There are numerous reasons pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. For example:
- Distracted driving – the use of smartphones, GPS devices, and onboard infotainment systems has resulted in drivers failing to recognize pedestrians on the road.
- More people walking – more people are walking to work than in previous decades. In fact, between 2007 and 2016, the number of people who walked to work rose by 4%.
- SUV popularity rise – since 2009, SUVs have become increasingly popular. This rise in popularity means that there are more SUVs on the road than ever before. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association report found that SUV-caused pedestrian fatalities rose by 50% in those years.
- Poor city infrastructure – city infrastructure has not been updated to accommodate the number of cars on roads that pedestrians utilize. As a result, pedestrians are often forced to cross busy intersections and highways without designated pedestrian paths.
ARIZONA PEDESTRIANS AT INCREASED RISK
The Governor’s Association report uncovered a startling truth: A staggering 46% of all pedestrian deaths occurred in just five states – California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Arizona. While states like California and Texas also have some of the largest populations in the country, Arizona ranked just as high despite having a smaller population. Why? Population growth may be the reason. The population in Arizona grew significantly from 2017 to 2018.
Arizona legislators and safety officials should focus their attention on decreasing the number of pedestrian fatalities that occur in the state. Critical improvements to road design and infrastructure should be considered to accommodate the growing population.
CONTACT OUR PHOENIX PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
If you or someone you love has been a victim of a pedestrian accident in Phoenix, it is important to know how serious these accidents can be. At Miller Kory Rowe, LLP, our Phoenix pedestrian accident lawyers know that injured pedestrians need help recovering the money they deserve. Insuraompanies are often reluctant to pay pedestrian accident victims what they truly need to recover. They may even try to pin some of the blame for the accident on you. When this occurs, you need an experienced and skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in your corner helping you fight. Contact us today at (602) 648-4045 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.
