Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics: So, Just How Dangerous is Our State for Pedestrians and Cyclists?
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When it comes to traveling safely on foot or by bicycle in Florida, it can be all too easy to forget how quickly someone else’s mistake can put us at risk for being seriously injured or even killed in an accident.
Here in our state, some alarming new Florida pedestrian accident statistics have revealed just how dangerous our roads can be for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Most Dangerous State in the Nation?
According to a recent study by Smart Growth America, nearly 5,200 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related accidents in Florida between 2003 and 2012. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 17.7% of all traffic-related fatalities that occurred in our state over this period.
That is a particularly high number of deaths compared to rates of pedestrian fatalities in other parts of the country. The study found that Florida comes in first as the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians, according to the Pedestrian Danger Index.
The Pedestrian Danger Index is calculated by examining the number of local commuters who walk to work compared with the number of pedestrian fatalities that occurred in the last five years.
Florida’s Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians
In addition to coming in first as a state, the top four most dangerous cities for pedestrians are all
located in Florida, according to the study. These cities include:
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Miami, FL
Common Factors in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Florida
The study found that 63.3% of the fatal pedestrian accidents in Florida occurred on arterial roads. According to Smart Growth America, these roads are often designed and maintained with a focus on maximizing speed for traffic rather than on protecting pedestrians and cyclists.
Other findings of the study include:
- Nearly 75% of all fatal pedestrian accidents in Florida occurred on roads with a speed limit of 40 MPH or higher.
- Florida ranks 5th for the pedestrian fatality rate for pedestrians aged 65+.
- Between 2003 and 2010, 233 children under 16 and 960 adults aged 65+ were victims of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Have you been injured in an accident in the Tampa Bay area? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878.
If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident in our area, you may need the help of a Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers or Tampa bike accident lawyers who will stand up for your rights.
Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today and get started by speaking with a member of our injury law team for a free evaluation of your case.