Central Florida Roads Have a Reputation for Poor Pedestrian Safety

According to a variety of studies, Central Florida roads are among the most dangerous in the United States for pedestrians. Hundreds of pedestrians are injured and dozens are killed each year in this area.

From 2014 to 2015, the number of pedestrian fatalities increased in five counties in Central Florida. Now, drivers are killing pedestrians in triple-digit figures each year in the region, with 124 pedestrians being killed in 2015 alone, according to statistics from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

There are some roads in the region that have been especially dangerous for pedestrians. U.S. Highway 441, for example, saw 14 pedestrian deaths in 2015, and there were seven more on U.S. 192 and six on U.S. 436.

What’s causing the problem?

The National Complete Streets Coalition’s “Dangerous by Design” report hypothesizes that the roads in Central Florida are the issue. For example, wide roads like U.S. 441 make it easy for cars to go fast, but they are not designed for pedestrian safety. In many cases, crosswalks are so far apart that pedestrians will take their chances jaywalking rather than take the time to go to the nearest crosswalk.

Some areas in Central Florida have started implementing new pedestrian-friendly road features, such as crosswalks, wider sidewalks and additional lighting. The state’s Department of Transportation has also introduced a new advertising campaign called “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow.” This campaign focuses on making drivers more aware of pedestrians and pedestrian safety issues.

Pedestrians and drivers alike should be alert and careful while out on the road, as one moment of inattentiveness could result in a serious crash. For more information about your legal options if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney at Largey Law.