In recent years, Americans have enthusiastically embraced earth-friendly and inexpensive modes of transportation, especially walking. The only problem is that most modern American cities, including those in Florida, were designed around vehicular traffic — not pedestrians.
Nine out of the top-20 deadliest urban areas for walkers are in Florida, which Orlando being ranked the worst of all. Despite all of the increased safety awareness campaigns oriented around keeping walkers safe, pedestrian deaths have been steadily climbing for the last decade.
What’s driving up these distressing numbers? There are different opinions, but the most common suggestions include:
- An aging population: Older folks are walking more for health reasons — but they can’t always make it through crosswalks at the same rate as younger folks. Impatient motorists who jump the gun can easily hit them.
- An increasing population: Florida’s cities are crowded, and more people always means more accidents. Factor in the issue that many walkers in the cities are actually tourists who are unfamiliar with the area and it’s easy to see how many accidents occur.
- Poorly designed infrastructures: Crosswalks get placed too far apart to be practical, sidewalks get forgotten in some areas or are impassible in spots without stepping into the road. A well-designed walking route can avoid these problems.
- Distractions are everywhere: Almost everybody has a cellular phone in their hands these days, including (unfortunately) drivers. Digital advances have led to some major digital distractions that are taking people’s attention away from the road.
One thing is sure: When a pedestrian and a vehicle collide, the pedestrian always comes out of the situation worse off than before. If you or your loved one suffered an injury, find out if someone can be held liable for your losses.
