An analysis of preliminary accident data conducted by the Governors Highway Safety Association suggests that pedestrian fatalities in 2019 rose to a level last seen more than three decades ago, and more than half of these deaths occurred in just five states. Florida is one of them. The report reveals that 368 pedestrians were killed in Florida after being struck by motor vehicles between January and June 2019, and most of them lost their lives in accidents that took place after dark.
SUVs pose a threat to pedestrians
Nighttime pedestrian fatalities have increased by a worrying 67% in just the last 10 years, and the growing popularity of large SUVs and pickup trucks could be largely responsible. According to the GHSA report, pedestrians struck by these vehicles are twice as likely to be killed as those struck by cars. Over the last 10 years, the number of pedestrians who died after being struck by an SUV rose by 81%.
Florida dominates dangerous cities list
While most pedestrian fatalities occur on rural roads, the high fatality rates in Florida seem to be a result of cities that have been built to favor motor vehicles over people who travel on foot. When Smart Growth America identified America’s 20 deadliest cities for pedestrians, Florida dominated the list with nine entries. The nonprofit advocacy group then calculated a Pedestrian Danger Index for each state. Florida’s PDI was determined to be 182, which is more than three times the national average.
Comparative negligence
Pedestrian accident victims who file lawsuits are often accused of not looking where they were walking and stepping out into the roadway without warning. When pursuing this kind of litigation, experienced personal injury attorneys may anticipate comparative negligence arguments and gather evidence that could refute them. Attorneys may check pedestrian accident scenes for cameras that could have recorded the events and witnesses who were not interviewed by the police.