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Pedestrian accident report shows alarming numbers

On Behalf of | Apr 24, 2017 | Car Accidents

The Governors Highway Safety Association released a report recently that shows a few alarming statistics, as well as place the spotlight on California for fatal pedestrian accidents. The report found that California, New York, Florida and Texas combined to account for 42 percent of pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2016. This is mostly due to the size of these states and the populations they contain.

But if you look deeper at these numbers, there are some alarming trends. For example, from 2010 to 2015, pedestrian deaths increased by 25 percent. The report projects that when all of 2016’s data is compiled, that year will mark an 11 percent increase in pedestrian deaths from 2015.

Additionally, the state of California itself claimed the number one spot for pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2016 (despite an 11 percent decline in pedestrian deaths during that time).

There are clear indicators here that pedestrian safety has been on the decline over the last six or seven years. Pedestrians are dying at increased rates due to accidents, and there needs to be an adequate response to make people feel safe when they cross the street or walk down the sidewalk.

Pedestrians have the right of way, and if they are struck by another vehicle, the pedestrian (or their loved ones) should consider personal injury or wrongful death litigation against the driver. If negligence is a part of the accident on the part of the driver, then they must be held accountable for their behavior.

Source: SF Gate, “California No. 1 in U.S. study showing spike in pedestrian deaths,” Sarah Ravani, March 30, 2017

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