Pedestrians Face Dangerous Car-Centric Cities

Our experienced personal injury attorneys represent individuals who have been injured by the negligence of others; more often than not, our clients sustain injuries from auto accidents caused by the recklessness of others. While our clients are frequently harmed as travelers (or drivers) in a motor vehicle that was hit by the negligent driver, sometimes they are pedestrians who are hit by reckless drivers unable or unwilling to safely share the road with those on foot.

According to a new report issued last month, pedestrian deaths in the United States are at an all-time high. Furthermore, if you happen to be walking around Orlando, you’re more likely to be hit and killed by a car than you’d be if you were in any other city across the U.S.A. While it’s true that the majority of the 20 most dangerous metropolitan areas are concentrated across the southeast and southwest, the central Florida vacation hub remains the most dangerous.

There are a variety of theories surrounding the increasing pedestrian deaths, many of which are based in common-sense logic. With more and more cars being added to our roads and highways every year, navigating the roadways becomes more complicated and the likelihood of hitting a pedestrian is elevated. In the post-World War II era, urban design focused on mass transit and motor vehicles; as such, urban planners seemed to have largely ignored the safety of pedestrians.

Between 2003 and 2012, the last year for which comprehensive data is available, 45,284 pedestrians were killed. In between 2007 to 2012, annual deaths of pedestrians jumped from 4,200 to 5,000. In response to these staggering numbers, former Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood announced that the era of “favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized” had come to an end, apparently signaling an increased interest in pedestrian safety. While we haven’t seen a significant drop in pedestrian deaths, there is reason to believe that things will improve.

As Florida personal injury attorneys, we have previously represented pedestrian victims of reckless driving. In one instance, for example, we represented the family of a man who was killed while attempting to cross the street in Altamonte Springs, FL, back in 2011. It’s important to remember that while there have been a staggering number of pedestrian deaths caused by motor vehicles over the past 10-15 years in particular, even more shocking would be the number of people who were hit and injured, for that figure is undoubtedly far higher. While deaths are agonizing in terms of familial grief, funeral planning and loss of income, grave injuries can leave families suffering for just as long and with medical bills that can lead to bankruptcy.

We love our communities and actively look out for the well being of those in our neighborhoods. It is important to urge our elected representatives to do all they can in ensuring that pedestrians are given the same consideration as motor vehicle drivers. While lobbying politicians may eventually prove effective, it is essential to be prepared to fight for justice whenever you might need to do so. Thus, if you’ve been injured due to the negligence of someone driving a car, please contact us to schedule a free consultation by calling 561-266-9191 or emailing us at daronberg@build.simple.biz. 

Visits: 0