Rise in Pedestrian Deaths gets National Spotlight

The New York Times recently examined the growing epidemic of pedestrian accidents, particularly those that occur at night, concluding walking deaths have reached a 41-year high.

Recently released federal data shows that 7,500 pedestrians were killed in 2022.

The data published by the Governors Highway Safety Associations showed pedestrian deaths are up 77 percent from the 4,302 deaths reported in 2010, compared to an increase of 25 percent for all types of traffic fatalities. Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Cape Coral and Fort Myers have long warned of the risks to walkers here in Southwest Florida, which has repeatedly been identified as among the most dangerous areas for walkers in the United States.

The reasons include the large number of pedestrians, especially near area campuses, beaches and other tourist attractions, lack of adequate infrastructure built into planned communities and neighborhoods — including sidewalks, street lights and marked crossing zones–a large transient, visiting population, and the high number of distracted or intoxicated motorists and/or walkers on the roads of Southwest Florida.

Florida’s walking deaths jumped from 745 in 2019 to 833 in 2021. Preliminary 2022 data show at least 824 pedestrian deaths. Only California reported more deaths, although Florida remains far deadlier based on population. Florida pedestrian deaths now account for more than 1 in 4 of the more than 3,000 traffic deaths reported annually by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Driver Safety Around Pedestrians

Most walkers understand the risks and do what they can to stay safe. Our pedestrian injury lawyers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral would urge motorists to redouble their efforts to avoid these tragedies, and continue to urge municipalities, local governments, homeowners associations and property owners to do what they can to reduce risks as well as their own liability.

Walkers: Utilize sidewalks whenever possible. Plan your route. Avoid night walking whenever possible. Carry a cell phone. Assume traffic is approaching at a high rate of speed and that the driver cannot see you — both are probably true.
Motorists: Give pedestrians every courtesy, including the right of way. There is no such thing as a minor pedestrian collision. If you hit a person with your vehicle, the victim is likely to be very seriously injured or killed. Pay particular attention at intersections, in parking lots, and near obvious pedestrian areas, including schools and tourist locations.
Property Owners: A significant number of these accidents occur on private property, where landowners and other responsible parties may share liability for a dangerous condition that caused or contributed to the incident. In general, keep your property well lit and free of unnecessary risk or dangerous conditions, such as loose handrails, uneven or broken pavement or walkways and wet or slippery floors.

Let’s resolve to give each other a break in 2024. Let’s face it: Driving in Southwest Florida is often frustrating. But put yourself in the walker’s shoes. Most people are not walking by choice (and if they are, more power to them!) but to get somewhere. Often they are unfamiliar with the area, on vacation and excited. In many cases, the heat is brutal or the rain is threatening. The few extra moments it takes you to safely put them in the rear view mirror are well worth it!

If you or a loved one is injured, call Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, at 1-800-646-1210.