Pedestrian fatalities
A report issued last year by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and reported by NPR.org revealed that the number of pedestrians killed in fatal collisions with vehicles was the highest it had ever been in 30 years. According to the GHSA’s report, 6,227 pedestrians died in collisions and crashes with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. This number is four percent higher than the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2017. Overall, the total number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents has increased 35 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Reasons for the Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities
There may be several reasons why pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. One of the most apparent reasons for the increase is likely the increased use of smartphones by both motorists and pedestrians. A pedestrian who is distracted by a phone is unlikely to see a car coming or be able to take action to avoid a collision. Similarly, motorists who use a cellular phone may not see a pedestrian enter their pathway in time for the motorist to stop or avoid a collision.
Another circumstance identified as a factor driving the increase in pedestrian fatalities is the increasing popularity of sports utility vehicles and light trucks. These vehicles are heavier than most passenger cars, and are therefore capable of inflicting more severe injuries to pedestrians in the event of a crash.
Safest and Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians
According to the GHSA’s report, New Hampshire had only one pedestrian fatality between January and June of 2018. New Mexico, on the other hand, was one of the most dangerous states based on the number of pedestrian fatalities in light of population. California had the most pedestrian deaths of all the states – 432 total. The total number of pedestrian deaths in Georgia, California, Arizona, Florida, and Texas together accounted for 46 percent of the total number of pedestrian fatalities in 2018.
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