Last month, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recognized October as National Pedestrian Safety Month, sharing statistics and valuable safety tips.
The Statistics
According to the FLHSMV, there were more than 700 pedestrian fatalities in 2020 caused by automobile crashes, making up 21% of all traffic fatalities in Florida. In Duval County alone, there were 405 pedestrian crashes resulting in 45 fatalities. Miami-Dade County reported 1,221 pedestrian crashes with 84 deaths. As a state packed with tourists both driving and walking the streets - especially in places like Miami Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Orlando - pedestrians see increased vulnerability.
A Smart Growth America report ranks Orlando as the most dangerous metropolitan area in the country for pedestrians, with 3 deaths for every 100,000 residents. Jacksonville is ranked #10, with 462 pedestrian fatalities from 2010 to 2019.
The report also sheds light on the overarching causes of pedestrian deaths across the United States, not just in Florida.
- Speed is the number one factor in pedestrian fatalities
- Wide lanes lead to more mistakes and higher speeds
- A lack of curb ramps and high-visibility crosswalks
- Wide corners - although beneficial to drivers - create long crossing distances and put pedestrians in danger for longer periods of time
- Nighttime visibility (over the past decade, nighttime pedestrian fatalities has risen by almost 70%)
Richard Retting, author of this report, states:
"Following 30 years of declining pedestrian fatalities, there has been a complete reversal of progress. Pedestrians are at an inherent disadvantage in collisions, and we must continue to take a broad approach to pedestrian safety."
Of course there are factors that only we as drivers can control, like distracted, drowsy, and impaired driving. These characteristics were reported in almost half of all pedestrian traffic deaths in 2018.
"Following 30 years of declining pedestrian fatalities, there has been a complete reversal of progress. Pedestrians are at an inherent disadvantage in collisions, and we must continue to take a broad approach to pedestrian safety."
Of course there are factors that only we as drivers can control, like distracted, drowsy, and impaired driving. These characteristics were reported in almost half of all pedestrian traffic deaths in 2018.
Preventative Measures
In 2019, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) published statistics that place Florida as 1 of 5 states accounting for 47% of pedestrian deaths throughout the US. The report also highlights efforts made across the state of Florida to provide safer areas for pedestrians, including $100 million spent on "lighting improvements in 2,500 priority locations across the state to increase the visibility of pedestrians using the roadway at night." Other policies include implementation of modern roundabouts to slow traffic and raised pedestrian crosswalks, along with other countermeasures.
GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins is determined to help save the lives of pedestrians through these countermeasures. "We must strengthen our efforts to protect those on foot from traffic violence by implementing equitable and proven countermeasures that protect people walking and address those driving behaviors that pose the greatest risk."
GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins is determined to help save the lives of pedestrians through these countermeasures. "We must strengthen our efforts to protect those on foot from traffic violence by implementing equitable and proven countermeasures that protect people walking and address those driving behaviors that pose the greatest risk."
Crosswalk Uniformity
It is argued that the current system of crosswalks throughout Florida is confusing to both drivers and pedestrians.
Last year, Florida State Senator Keith Perry voiced his concerns with how inconsistent - and sometimes ineffective - these crosswalk designs have become. "What we have now is a hodge-podge across the state of flashing yellow lights, some red lights, some (with) no lights at all, some automated, some have timers on them." He adds that this inconsistency "has led to multiple injuries and deaths throughout the state."
CB/SB 1000, a unanimously-approved bill targeting pedestrian safety, requires traffic and pedestrian control signals at mid-block crosswalks. This means that for a pedestrian to be permitted to enter a crosswalk, approaching traffic has to come to a complete stop. Senator Perry states that this bill will "bring some uniformity into how crosswalks are regulated."
Last year, Florida State Senator Keith Perry voiced his concerns with how inconsistent - and sometimes ineffective - these crosswalk designs have become. "What we have now is a hodge-podge across the state of flashing yellow lights, some red lights, some (with) no lights at all, some automated, some have timers on them." He adds that this inconsistency "has led to multiple injuries and deaths throughout the state."
CB/SB 1000, a unanimously-approved bill targeting pedestrian safety, requires traffic and pedestrian control signals at mid-block crosswalks. This means that for a pedestrian to be permitted to enter a crosswalk, approaching traffic has to come to a complete stop. Senator Perry states that this bill will "bring some uniformity into how crosswalks are regulated."
What Can Pedestrians Do?
While Florida state officials work to better improve our crosswalks and introduce new pedestrian safety enhancements, pedestrians can take their own preventative measures to ensure the safety of both themselves and drivers.
- Walk on the sidewalk when available. If there isn't a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far away as possible. Walk in the grass if you have to.
- Don't wear headphones. You want to be able to hear your surroundings. On that note, don't talk on the phone or text while your crossing the street. Stay alert. Just as when you're driving, you want to act as a "defensive walker."
- Use crosswalks. This is where drivers expect to see you. If you absolutely have to cross the road and there is no crosswalk, wait for a large gap in traffic, and then high-tail it. Don't start walking until you're off the road. And if it's nighttime, try and choose a well-lit area. And run straight across, not diagonally.
- Wear reflective clothing or gear at night.
What Can Drivers Do
All it takes is one glance away from the road to make a fatal mistake. Drivers have a critical responsibility to exercise patience, caution, and good judgement to help prevent this rise in pedestrian fatalities.
- Actively look for pedestrians, and slow down when you see them near the road. Drive with extra caution around crosswalks during the evenings and at night. According to the FLHSMV, over 30% of pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 PM and 9 PM as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end from September to February.
- When making a turn at a crosswalk, go slow. Also, never pass another car at a crosswalk. There could be a pedestrian in your blind spot while trying to pass.
- When pedestrians are crossing, stop well behind the crosswalk line. This not only provides more comfort for the pedestrian but also signals other drivers around you to stop.
- Drive the speed limit. Speeding can be a destructive habit that leads to other bad decisions, including road rage. Leave earlier so you can consciously follow the speed limit to your destination.
Final Thoughts
As Jacksonville car accident lawyers, every day we witness the results of absolutely preventable accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car collision - pedestrian or driver - please call Alisa Wilkes today. She or a Wilkes & Mee representative will meet with you and create a plan to provide the maximum amount of compensation, support, and rehabilitation.