According to new data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2022 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in the United States in the last 40 years.
Last year, almost 7,500 pedestrians were killed on American highways, the highest amount since 1981. Florida ended up being the third deadliest state. New Mexico took the top spot followed by Arizona.
Florida pedestrian death numbers were reported as:
2019: 745 pedestrian deaths
2020: 716 deaths
2021: 833 deaths
2022: 824 deaths
Driver Safety Tips to Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
There are numerous things you can do as a driver to assist reduce the number of pedestrian accidents.
- Always keep an eye out for pedestrians.
In adverse weather, use extreme caution.- Take special precautions at night, when visibility of pedestrian traffic is reduced.
- When turning or passing through a crosswalk, proceed slowly.
- When pedestrians have the right of way, yield to them.
- Never pass a stopped car at a crossing. There may be pedestrians in the crosswalk who you cannot see.
- Always observe the speed limit, especially in school zones and residential areas where children may be present.
- When backing up, use caution. Check all your mirrors and blind spots for pedestrians.
- Never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Avoid driving while you are fatigued. Driving when drowsy is exceedingly risky and can cause injury to other drivers as well as pedestrians and bikers.
- Avoid driving while distracted. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, and drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, or anything else that draws your concentration away from the road is prohibited.
Pedestrian, Biker, and Scooter Rider Safety Tips
There are several things you may do while walking in Florida, or even riding a bike or scooter, to reduce your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.
- Wear bright colors or reflective clothing or safety gear composed of reflective materials.
- Follow the traffic laws and do not jaywalk.
- Use sidewalks wherever possible. They are the safest places to walk if they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Keep as far away from the traffic as possible.
- Distracting electronic devices should not be used when walking amongst traffic, or riding a bike or scooter.
- Use crosswalks whenever you cross the roadway. If there are no crosswalks, consider crossing at an intersection. While it may be tempting to cross in the middle of the street, this is where many injuries occur.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street. Continue checking both ways until you are safely across the street. If there is no crosswalk or intersection, cross in a well-lit location.
- If possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you.
- Be cautious when strolling near driveways or parking lots. Cars could be turning or backing up.
- Avoid drugs or alcohol that impair your judgment. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Make sure to thoroughly read labels to be informed of any potential adverse effects.
- While walking, biking, or riding a scooter, avoid texting, looking things up online, or using social media on your phone. Being distracted by your phone may prevent you from noticing a dangerous obstruction or a vehicle that is about to collide with you.
- Turn off your headphones or remove them before crossing the street.
- Teach children to be cautious and to look both ways before crossing the street. Make it clear to children that they should always cross the street with an adult. Set a positive example for your children by turning off your phone, headphones, and other electronics while you are near a car.
Even if you take every care possible, a pedestrian accident can still occur. We invite you to evaluate the pedestrian safety guidelines we have provided here and to educate others about the dangers that Florida pedestrians encounter. Everyone can help to reduce pedestrian collisions with motor vehicles. Continue reading
