According to a recent report from the
Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths in the Unites States have reached a 28-year high. Current
estimates from the GHSA suggest that the overall amount of pedestrian
fatalities rose 4% in 2018, coming out to a total of 6,227 last year.
Based on a statistical analysis of the first 6 months of the year, the
GHSA’s latest findings indicate the highest level of pedestrian
deaths in any year since 1990. The GHSA has also reported that pedestrian
deaths involving SUVs rose 50% between 2013 and 2017, while pedestrian
deaths caused by passenger cars went up by 30% within the same span of time.
The juxtaposition of these numbers has caused many to speculate that the
rise in pedestrian deaths in recent years is tied directly to the rise
of SUVs, or Sports Utility Vehicles, which are typically larger and more
powerful than mid-size and compact vehicles.
GHSA executive director Jonathan Adkins claimed, “It's clearly a factor,” when asked for his perspective
on the matter. He went on to state that. "We're going in the
wrong direction."
After previously hitting a record low a decade ago, pedestrian deaths are
up a staggering 51.5% from a 4,109 in 2009. The latest findings estimate
pedestrian fatalities account for 16% of all traffic deaths, up 12% from
2009. This information from the GHSA is not the first indication that
SUVs may be having a negative impact on the safety and well-being of American
pedestrians. Last June,
USA TODAY Network and the Detroit Free Press partnered on a series which cited the rising popularity of SUVs as a leading
cause in the nation’s mounting pedestrian safety concerns.
The prevalence of SUVs on modern roadways has also been compounded with
distracted driving to create an increasingly dangerous environment for
pedestrians. The advent of smartphones, in particular, has been partially
blamed for the uptick in distracted driving, and in turn, pedestrian fatalities
in the U.S. Other concerns cited by the GHSA include an increase in commuters
who walk to work, a lack of pedestrian road crossings, sleep-deprived
driving, drunk driving, and in certain locations, general population growth.
The biggest factor in pedestrian deaths according to the GHSA, however,
remains speeding. Anything we can do to reduce driver speed makes a huge
impact, not only for drivers but all road users," stated Adkins.
Accident Lawyers in Dunedin
At Paulsen Law Group, our
Dunedin pedestrian accident attorneys represent clients all across the Florida Gulf Coast area. With 15 years
of experience fighting for victims of
car accidents, we have seen firsthand the damage that careless drivers can do to innocent
pedestrians. From distracted driving accidents to speeding accidents,
our team of skilled legal professionals will argue to make sure you receive
the maximum amount of compensation possible for medical bills, loss of
wages, and additional pain and suffering. Don’t let an accident
stop you from living the life you deserve. Hire a
seasoned personal injury lawyer from Paulsen Law Group today.
Our firm is available by phone at (727) 270-8260, or you can
contact us online for more information. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients.