It seems like every time you turn on the news, there is another story of someone getting hit by a car in South Florida. Just this week, a couple in their eighties were struck and killed by a car in Fort Myers, and two University of Miami students were struck and killed while crossing the roadway in Pinecrest. It’s a sad and scary occurrence, and unfortunately, it happens too often.
The Incidence of Pedestrian Accidents
Some statistics regarding pedestrian accidents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include:
- Over 4,400 pedestrians were killed in 2011 in motor vehicle accidents.
- Pedestrian-car accidents accounted for 14 percent of the accident-related deaths in 2011 even though they are only a small fraction of the thousands of motor vehicle accidents that occur each year.
The good news is that the number of pedestrian fatalities has dropped since 2002. The bad news? The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) explains, “A drop in pedestrian fatalities in recent years may reflect the fact that people are walking less.” In other words, the risk is just as high as ever, it only that fewer people are choosing walking as a mode of transportation.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Who is most at risk?
Obviously, anyone who walks on busy streets in Plantation and other South Florida cities is always at risk for being hit by a car. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) provides some statistics from 2009 that can give us insight as to who is most susceptible for these types of accidents.
Those who are most at risk:
- are male (69 percent of victims);
- walk in urban areas (72 percent of accidents);
- walk on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (16 percent, 17 percent, and 15 percent, respectively); and
- walk at night (70 percent of accidents).
Actually, even just living in Florida puts you more at risk. The PBIC explains that Florida is one of the top four states with the highest rate of pedestrian accidents in the nation. Part of the reason for this is the year-round pleasant weather which facilitates time spent out of doors.
Ways to Prevent Being Hit by a Car
It’s imperative to take extra precautions to avoid being hit by a car. You cannot always count on the drivers to see you, nor can you assume they will be following traffic safety laws.
In order to decrease your risk of being struck:
- avoid walking in busy urban areas, especially on the weekends or at night;
- obey all the traffic safety rules;
- always use a crosswalk when available, but do not just assume the drivers will see or stop for you, be cautious and give up your right of way if you’re unsure if the car is going to stop;
- wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight if you walk at night;
- be aware of all of your surroundings (e.g., do not text and walk); and
- always use the walkways, sidewalks, and footpaths provided for pedestrians.
If your loved one was recently involved in a pedestrian accident, speak to a local attorney about your accident claim. Contact Chalik & Chalik in South Florida for a free, no-obligation consultation today at (855) 529-0269.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269
Statistics Reveal Florida Pedestrian Accidents Among Kids a Major Issue With over 60,000 serious injuries and nearly 4,000 deaths each year, pedestrian accidents are occurring at an alarming rate. What’s even more shocking is the rate at which these accidents are affecting younger populations. In order to understand the causes of pedestrian accidents and how to prevent them, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)...
Pedestrian loses life in five-vehicle collision A multi-vehicle crash occurred, killing a pedestrian who behaved as a good Samaritan. The tragic collision occurred in Cantonment, Florida, on, January 10, 2017, just prior to 6 p.m. on U.S. 29 and Hazzard Lane. A Toyota XB and a Jeep Cherokee were going in the northern direction, and nearing Hazzard Lane in the outer...
University of Central Florida to implement pedestrian safety plan The Orange County Board of Commissioners has approved a $5 million plan to improve pedestrian and bike safety on the major roads serving the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus. The plan includes the building and improving of mid-block crosswalks, sidewalks and bike paths in order to make their use safer and more appealing to...
Distracted Walking New Research Shows Distracted Walking Causes South Florida Accidents Almost everyone seems to have a cell phone these days, as popularity for the iPhone and other smartphones is ever increasing. Although the cell phone is a great invention, it seems as if it poses an inevitable threat on the road to those using one. The...
Who Is Liable in Pedestrian Accidents? The person or entity whose negligence led to the pedestrian accident is liable. However, determining the at-fault party requires a thorough investigation and an understanding of what constitutes negligence and how to identify it. Proving these elements and filing your potential lawsuit on time are critical to recovering damages. You do not have to define...
Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accident Statistics Not everyone gets around Fort Lauderdale by car, and even drivers become pedestrians when they use sidewalks and crosswalks to get to their destinations, such as the park, a beach, or a downtown festival, after parking somewhere nearby. Unfortunately, year after year, Fort Lauderdale consistently ranks among the deadliest cities in Florida and the United...
How Do Pedestrians Seek Compensation for Injuries If Hit by a Car In Florida? There are several ways pedestrians can seek compensation for their injuries if hit by a car in Florida. If you were the victim of this type of accident, you might be able to file a claim with your own no-fault insurance, with the at-fault driver’s no-fault insurance, or with the motorist’s auto liability policy. If...