Pedestrian deaths have increased by 25 percent between 2010 and 2015 according to a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association which tracks each states records on an annual basis. The data is obtained from all Fifty State Highway Safety Offices and the District of Columbia. During that five year time period 28,000 pedestrians were killed throughout the United States. Currently, GHSA'S annual spotlight on Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities projects an 11% increase in the number of persons on foot killed on U.S. roadways last year compared  to 2015. States reported 2,660 pedestrian fatalities for the first six months of 2016, compared to 2,486 deaths during the same time period in the previous year. Using this data and historic trends, GHSA estimates that there were 5,997 pedestrian fatalities in 2016. Potential factors contributing to this spike include a better economy, an increase in walking as a primary mode of transportation, and distraction due to growing use of smartphone technology. GHSA also asked its state members to provide examples of their efforts to reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle collisions. 

There Are Promising Solutions Proposed To Reduce Pedestrian Fatalities

Some possible solutions have been considered to help reverse this disturbing trend. The promising strategies include : high visibility enforcement and public information campaigns aimed at both motorists and pedestrians; identifying high-risk zones and conducting educational outreach in these areas; and strategic partnerships with local universities and community organizations to advance pedestrian safety. These sound like great ideas, but I'm less optimistic that much can be done to drastically alter this trend since we are literally addicted to using smartphones; and we are not going to stop using them. The most immediate solution to these alarming findings is that constant vigilance is required by both pedestrians and motorists to avoid distractions when out and about in whatever town and city in which they may travel and judicious use of technology is essential.

Remember, when a car hits a pedestrian the driver is usually but not always at fault because they probably could have taken steps to avoid hitting the pedestrian since the pedestrian is moving more slowly than the motorist. If you've been in an accident, it's important you consult with an experienced attorney so you can receive the compensation you deserve. The Brod Law Firm in Philadelphia is dedicated to giving you the best possible results possible. Contact us online or call 1-888-435-7946 (888-HELPWIN) for a free consultation. We serve all of the state of Pennsylvania from our offices in Philadelphia, Reading and Bala Cynwyd.