Pedestrian Fatalities Notably High in Florida

There is a reason most are generally out and about in the beautiful Sunshine State. This state offers warmth, beaches, ample outdoor activities, great restaurants, and terrific nightlife. This lifestyle is one of the reasons Florida is so attractive to retirees, vacationers, and transplants alike. An unfortunate side effect of so many people out on the sidewalks and streets is Florida has become one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. What gives?

The Stats

As our population grows across the country, so has pedestrian fatalities by almost 36% in a nine-year span of time. As for the State of Florida in specific, during the same span of time, there were 5,433 pedestrian fatalities making the Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) 182. As of 2016, the metro area of Cape Coral-Fort Meyers, Florida ranked number one in the country with a PDI of 283.1. When you compare these state and locality numbers with that of the national average PDI, 55.3, Florida is exceedingly high.

Causes Behind of Pedestrian Hazards

There are many theories as to why Florida has such a high number of pedestrian dangers. It could be the infrastructure of many of the state’s cities were never built to support the number of pedestrians that have come to roam their streets in modern times. They have been built to be more functional for motor vehicles.

Florid is also a fairly flat state; public transportation is not the preferred method of travel, private motor vehicles are. Where this type of infrastructure exists, so do large roadways with multiple lanes requiring anyone on foot to have to take the risk of crossing these highly dangerous obstacles many times without the assistance of crosswalks or safety signals.

Additionally, pedestrians have to compete with larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. These motor vehicles are a very popular choice among residents and visitors to the state. Encounters with these big vehicles by a pedestrian will increase the risk of severe injury and death.

Seek an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney

When a vehicle of any size strikes a pedestrian the likelihood that the results will be catastrophic for the pedestrian is extremely high. It is important for pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and they must ensure they are always using appropriate legal crossing junctures. However, it is even more important for drivers to be aware of those who may be on the street with them.

Florida is a beautiful state where you can get outside and enjoy the sunshine, and everyone who visits and lives here should be able to walk around, jog, or bike throughout their communities without having to worry about being hit by a motor vehicle. If you or someone you know has had the misfortune of being struck by a negligent driver, appropriate medical attention should always be first sought out. Then, contacting an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer is the next most crucial step. The trusted team at Fulgencio Law can help you gain full compensation for your injuries, property damages, and suffering that results from a car accident. Our team of lawyers has been representing the citizens of Florida for over 60 years and we strive to provide a highly individualized client-friendly approach to each and everyone we serve. Don’t wait to call and speak to one of our resourceful lawyers about your case, contact us at (813)463-0123 today.