[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/why-pedestrian-fatalities-are-rising-in-florida-and-across-the-nation\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/why-pedestrian-fatalities-are-rising-in-florida-and-across-the-nation\/","headline":"Why Pedestrian Fatalities Are Rising in Florida and Across the Nation","name":"Why Pedestrian Fatalities Are Rising in Florida and Across the Nation","description":"Drivers and pedestrians both have a responsibility to observe traffic laws and remain attentive while on roads and sidewalks. Unfortunately, this doesn\u2019t always happen, which means injuries and fatalities are inevitable. A pedestrian accident can take many shapes. A person on foot can get struck by a vehicle at an intersection or crosswalk. Or, the...","datePublished":"2019-05-30","dateModified":"2025-01-05","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/author\/zimmet\/#Person","name":"Zimmet & Zimmet","url":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/author\/zimmet\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3010bdac5ced5112b2840e84f5233c0b7d763a33cb3d5b6de07a5a4b44884d69?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3010bdac5ced5112b2840e84f5233c0b7d763a33cb3d5b6de07a5a4b44884d69?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Zimmet & Zimmet","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/footer-logo-blue.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/footer-logo-blue.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/why-pedestrian-fatalities-are-rising-in-florida-and-across-the-nation.png","url":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/why-pedestrian-fatalities-are-rising-in-florida-and-across-the-nation.png","height":468,"width":856},"url":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/why-pedestrian-fatalities-are-rising-in-florida-and-across-the-nation\/","about":["Pedestrian Accidents"],"wordCount":606,"articleBody":"Drivers and pedestrians both have a responsibility to observe traffic laws and remain attentive while on roads and sidewalks. Unfortunately, this doesn\u2019t always happen, which means injuries and fatalities are inevitable.A pedestrian accident can take many shapes. A person on foot can get struck by a vehicle at an intersection or crosswalk. Or, the pedestrians can injure themselves due to lack of attention or construction on the sidewalk. These may seem like uncommon occurrences, but for some reason, it\u2019s a growing problem in the state of Florida and throughout the nation.Last years alone,\u00a06,227 pedestrians lost their lives\u00a0in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. This is the highest number since 1990. The number of deaths has also been trending upward since 2008. Florida is by far the most problematic. In fact,\u00a0nine of the 20 deadliest cities\u00a0for pedestrians are located here. This rising trend isn\u2019t a coincidence.Reasons for the Rise in Pedestrian DeathsAs urban areas become more populated,\u00a0pedestrian accidents\u00a0are bound to increase. This happens as more people opt to walk and utilize public transportation. However, there are other factors involved in the rising fatality rates.Distracted driving\u00a0\u2013 The use of smartphones while driving is a huge problem in America. It\u2019s the leading cause of auto accidents and can also lead to pedestrians being stuck. Some states have passed laws banning the use of cell phones while driving, but in Florida, police only enforce it as a secondary offense.Distracted walking\u00a0\u2013 Drivers aren\u2019t the only ones guilty of using their smartphones when they\u2019re not supposed to. Pedestrians are more likely to step into traffic if they\u2019re looking at Facebook or answering a text while walking.Older drivers\u00a0\u2013 Florida has the largest population of people over 65 in the country. This means more\u00a0elderly drivers\u00a0on the road with slower reaction times. It also means more elderly pedestrians who are vulnerable to being stuck.Intoxication\u00a0\u2013 Alcohol use by both drivers and pedestrians is a recipe for disaster. This is especially dangerous at night when people are more likely to have consumed alcohol.There\u2019s a bigger chance of drunk drivers striking pedestrians walking along busy roadways. Pedestrians are also more likely to stumble into traffic.Knowing the risk factors can help pedestrians avoid situations that put their lives in danger. However, there are a number of other precautions they can take to avoid a\u00a0pedestrian injury\u00a0or fatality.How to Stay Safe on the RoadIf you absolutely must walk in high-traffic areas, you should always use sidewalks and adhere to crosswalk signals. It\u2019s also important to avoid interacting with your phone or listening to music through earbuds.If you have to walk at night, carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing. While crossing at an intersection, make eye contact with drivers. This ensures both of you understand who has the right of way.Finally, never assume you\u2019re safe. Always looks both directions while crossing a street, even if it\u2019s your turn.Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney If You\u2019ve Been InjuredHave you been struck by a negligent driver while walking in Daytona Beach? You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet can evaluate the details of the accident and\u00a0guide you through\u00a0the complex litigation process.\u00a0Contact us\u00a0at (386) 255-6400 to set up a free consultation.Have you been injured in an accident or fall? Do You have question and want to know your legal options. Call 386-255-6400\u00a0for a free consultation and remember there is NO FEE unless WE Win."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Why Pedestrian Fatalities Are Rising in Florida and Across the Nation","item":"https:\/\/www.zimmetzimmet.com\/blog\/why-pedestrian-fatalities-are-rising-in-florida-and-across-the-nation\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]