In Florida, Summer Means an Increased Risk for Pedestrian Accidents
As summer nears, Florida residents and out-of-state visitors are preparing for vacations to the coast during which they are likely to spend at least a portion of their time traveling on foot. While walking to the beach, shops and restaurants is a convenient way to soak up the sun, unfortunately, it also presents the risk of being injured in a pedestrian accident.
Each year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in accidents involving motor vehicles; and, tragically, hundreds of residents and visitors lose their lives. While overall auto accident rates tend to decreaseduring the summer months in Florida, statistics show that these are some of the most-dangerous months for pedestrians.
Pedestrian Accidents are on the Rise
As reported by The Washington Post, after decades of decline, pedestrian accident numbers began to rise in 2010. Following a low of 4,109 fatalities nationwide in 2009, fatal pedestrian accidents increased by nearly 50 percent through the end of 2016. While these figures reflect pedestrian accidents throughout the year, other resources indicate that pedestrian accident rates are particularly high during the summer months.
This is particularly true in urban high-traffic areas, such as West Palm Beach and other coastal cities and towns throughout Florida. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also indicate that:
· More than three quarters of all pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas.
· Just 18 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occur at intersections. Seventy-two percent occur at non-intersections, five percent occur on shoulders, and the remaining five percent occur in parking lots, medians, driveways, and other non-traffic areas.
· Nearly three quarters of fatal pedestrian accidents happen at night. During the summer months, more fatal pedestrian accidents occur from 9:00pm to midnight than any other time period.
· Fatal pedestrian accidents are more common on weekends than weekdays from 6:00pm to 6:00am, and are more common on weekdays in the middle of the day.
Risk Factors for Summer Pedestrian Accidents
Why are pedestrian accidents more prevalent during the summer in Florida? The increase in pedestrian traffic is undoubtedly a factor; however, there are several driver-related factors that come into play as well. These include:
· Driving Distractions– Talking and texting with friends and family, setting GPS directions, and attempting to navigate in traffic.
· Inattentiveness– Turning without looking, failing to yield the right of way, failing to notice crosswalks and traffic signals, and failing to watch for pedestrians.
· Limited Visibility (and Patience)– Limited visibility in heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic at crowded intersections, and impatience when dealing with high traffic volume.
· Fatigue– Cognitive impairments due to drowsiness and fatigue resulting from long days on the beach and high levels of physical activity.
· Alcohol Impairment– Driving under the influence of alcohol, particularly at night when there is an unusually-high volume of pedestrian traffic during the summer.
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers for Pedestrians and Their Families
Under Florida law, pedestrians who are injured in accidents involving motor vehicles are entitled to seek just compensation for their injury-related losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important that you speak with an attorney. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at our personal injury law offices in West Palm Beach, FL, please call (800) 780–8607 or request an appointment online today.
