RSSStudy Shows Florida Most Dangerous State for Pedestrians
A study from Smart Growth America last year showed that Florida is the most dangerous state in the United States for pedestrians, and the four most dangerous places to walk in the state are Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater and Jacksonville.
The report shows that it is a design flaw that makes these areas so dangerous. Southern cities that grew after World War II are generally more sprawling than other cities in the nation, and had a larger focus on people moving with automobiles, and not on foot or by bike. Vehicle speed was a huge factor in these accidents, and because streets were only designed for cars, not for other forms of transportation like walking or biking, in some areas speeds are in the 50s when they should be in the 30s.
Nationwide, from 2003 through 2012, 47,025 people died while walking along roads, and another 676,000 pedestrians were injured. That’s one person hit by a car or truck once every eight minutes. In addition, one in five of these victims are senior citizens.
Florida, with a large senior population, tops the list. From 2003 to 2012, there were 1.56 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people nationwide on average per year. From 2008 through 2012, the Orlando-Kissimmee area had a rate of 2.75, giving it a score of 244.28 on the pedestrian danger index. This high score is four times the nation’s score, and easily the highest in the country.
Though authorities are working to adapt roads and streetlights to be more pedestrian friendly, there is still a great risk, especially for seniors currently living in or thinking about retiring in Florida. If you or someone you love falls victim to a pedestrian accident in Florida, attorney James O. Cunningham can help. He has more than three decades of experience helping pedestrian accident victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, long-term recovery, and more.
Advocates for safer streets are calling on Congress to adopt the Safe Streets Act, which would require federally funded road projects to take walkers and bikers into consideration when planning roads, but it could be years before these changes take effect, if they happen at all. In the meantime, if you are involved in a pedestrian accident, call 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free consultation with attorney James O. Cunningham to learn how legal representation can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.