Increase in Pedestrian Deaths in 2010 a Reversal from Trend

May 13, 2011

Increase in Pedestrian Deaths in 2010 a Reversal from Trend

Amid lowered overall deaths from car accidents in 2010, a surprising preliminary report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found a small increase in pedestrian fatalities for the first half of 2010. From 2006 to 2009 pedestrian deaths had decreased every year.

The report found no one, clear reason as to the sudden increase in pedestrian fatalities. However, the GHSA report speculated that increased distracted driving might have contributed to the startling rise in pedestrian deaths. Distracted drivers and pedestrians may have been paying too little attention to sharing the road, instead listening to music while running or talking on a cell phone while driving.

The report also hypothesized an overall increase in foot traffic in recent years might have contributed to the fatality rate. The continuing difficult economic times have made walking and biking the only transportation methods for many, as well as an attractive option for those seeking healthy alternative transportation.

However, the report admits that it is difficult to find exact reasons for the increase in pedestrian fatalities, since the accidents tend to be diverse in nature and spread over a wide area.

"Arterial Roads" the Site of Most Accidents

The majority of accidents occur on roads with high-speed traffic and few or no sidewalks, what Transportation for America, a nonprofit transportation group, terms "arterial roads." The group argues that the previous need to maximize high-speed roadways in metro areas that reduce or omit sidewalks are the biggest cause of pedestrian deaths. They also argue that dangerous walking and biking conditions can disproportionately impact children, handicapped persons and the elderly.

The group is trying to promote awareness of pedestrian safety and the need to create roadways that allow pedestrians to shop and perform day-to-day activities without danger from passing cars. While distracted driving and driving while intoxicated, for example, do play a role in pedestrian deaths, Transportation for America believes safer roadways will lower the now-increasing pedestrian fatalities.

Pedestrian fatalities are often avoidable by driving carefully and paying attention to the road. Pedestrians hit by cars are often catastrophically injured or killed. If you have been injured or a family member was killed in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney to help you through a horrific time and help recover needed medical expenses and other costs.

Article provided by John H. Perrone & Associates
Visit us at http://www.perronelaw.com