PEDESTRIAN DEATHS AT HIGHEST RATE IN 30 YEARS 
Pedestrian deaths hit a 30-year high in 2019, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. An estimated 6,590 pedestrians were killed in the U.S., which is a 5% increase from the year before. Since 2009, pedestrian fatalities increased by 53%, while the number of all other traffic deaths has increased by 2%.
Several factors may be influencing the rise in pedestrian deaths, including the increased presence of SUVs and trucks, which are more likely to kill a human due to their sheer size and weight difference. Passenger cars are the largest category of vehicles involved in fatal pedestrian crashes, however, the number of pedestrian fatalities involving SUVs increased at a faster rate of 81% from 2009 to 2018 than passenger cars, which increased by 53%.
A wrongful death lawyer Phoenix, AZ may argue that distractions while driving and walking are contributing factors. The increased use of smartphones over the past decade has been a significant source of distraction for all road users. Alcohol is another issue, in about half of traffic crashes that ended in pedestrian fatalities in 2017, either the driver, pedestrian, or both reportedly were impaired by alcohol.
Time of day and location play major roles. Three-quarters of pedestrian deaths happen at night. From 2009 to 2018, the number of nighttime pedestrian fatalities increased by 67%, compared to a 16% increase in daytime pedestrian fatalities. Furthermore, most pedestrian deaths take place on local roads and away from intersections.
Population growth and increased walking by Americans have correlated with increased pedestrian deaths. The ten states with the highest population growth from 2017 to 2018, which include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Utah, Texas and Washington State, had an overall 5% increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities during the first six month of 2018 compared with the same period in 2017.
Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia and Texas accounted for 47% of all pedestrian deaths. In addition, the estimated number of Americans walking to work climbed about 4% percent between 2007 and 2016.
In order to cut down on these deadly incidents, safety experts recommend adding more crosswalks for pedestrians and improving street lighting. All road users are advised to decrease cell phone usage while driving or walking.
Following a collision with injuries, filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Phoenix, AZ may be possible. A lawyer should be consulted to assess a possible negligence injury claim. Litigation involving the at-fault party’s insurance may be necessary. There should be no fees unless a settlement is obtained.
If you are ready to explore whether or not you can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Phoenix, AZ, please call our firm today.
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