Smart Growth America is an advocacy group whose mission is to ensure urban development prioritizes the safety of those who live and work in cities throughout the country. Its recent report, “Dangerous By Design,” investigates such matters as pedestrian accident rates in the U.S.
Some of its findings may be particularly alarming to Floridians. According to the report, four of the 10 most dangerous U.S. cities for pedestrians are in Florida. They are:
- The Daytona-Ormond Beach metro area
- The Tampa Bay area
- Jacksonville
- Orlando
Why Are Florida Cities Dangerous for Pedestrians?
Unfortunately, the report doesn’t provide substantial information regarding why these cities are particularly hazardous for those navigating them on foot. However, a basic analysis of the findings indicates that pedestrian accidents and fatalities may be relatively common in low-income areas that major arterial roads pass through. In these areas, pedestrians might need to regularly attempt to cross roads where congestion may be high and vehicles may be traveling at high rates of speed.
It’s also worth noting that researchers have found the U.S. in general has failed to make improvements that could boost pedestrian safety when compared to other countries. For example, in many other nations, the addition of bike lanes, roundabouts, and other such features has yielded a significant reduction in pedestrian deaths.
Lawmakers in the U.S. have not prioritized making such improvements. As a result, the drop in pedestrian accidents and deaths in our country has been much less pronounced than it has been in other parts of the world.
Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
Pedestrians themselves can make certain choices to potentially minimize their odds of being harmed in avoidable accidents. They include:
- Not using their digital devices when navigating cities on foot
- Always using crosswalks
- Making eye contact with drivers before entering crosswalks to ensure drivers see them
- Wearing bright clothing when walking at night or in low-light conditions
- Not walking while intoxicated, which, in regard to one’s own personal safety, can potentially be as dangerous as driving while drunk
- Planning routes that allow them to avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible
How a Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
Even if you take steps to avoid being injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s possible you’ll be harmed due to the negligence of others one day. If this happens, your injuries could be quite serious.
This is common in pedestrian accidents. Because you’re extremely vulnerable when a vehicle strikes you, you may be left with injuries that will require costly medical treatment. Said injuries could also prevent you from working and earning an income.
You deserve to be compensated for these losses when your accident resulted from the negligence of another party. To learn more about your legal options in these circumstances, review your case with a Florida pedestrian accident attorney at Colson Hicks Eidson. We’ll determine if you have grounds to seek compensation, and we’ll offer effective representation if you decide to hire us. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at 305-476-7400.
