D.C. Bicyclist and Pedestrian Deaths Continue to Be a Concern

In April, hundreds took to the streets to protest the continued rise in bicyclist and pedestrian deaths around the D.C. area. Together, cyclists and activists lay in the street and read the names of individuals who died on the roads.

Although the surge in deaths has many baffled, a few common factors are propelling the rise in fatalities and injuries, and people are calling for change.

The Infrastructure

It’s no secret that fewer people are purchasing vehicles than in previous years. Instead, more individuals are walking, biking, or using public transportation to go from place to place, which means there is a growing populace of pedestrians and cyclists.
The issue here isn’t so much the number of people on the streets; it’s that D.C. streets—as well as streets nationwide—aren’t made to accommodate them.

Crosswalks are long, cars can turn right on red, and the lanes that are supposed to be used only by bicyclists are narrow.

These concerns led to proposed legislation addressing infrastructure and other issues contributing to the rise in deaths.

Impaired Driving

Drunk driving caused a third of fatalities in the D.C. region in 2017, totaling twice the number of deaths in 2016. However, the number of crashes attributed to impaired driving decreased for the area.

Although the reasons for the increase in deaths remain mysterious, officials speculate it may have to do with the fewer number of police officers. Staffing issues mean fewer officers are patrolling the streets and stopping drunk driving before someone gets hurt.

Impaired driving involving other drugs is also an issue.

Distracted Driving

We have the technology to offer hands-free driving, yet distracted driving continues to cause accidents.

D.C. has taken drastic measures to reduce the number of distractions within vehicles, especially concerning cell phones, but human error still results in the most significant proportion of deaths and injuries.

In a city packed with tourists, walkers, and bikers, one moment of distraction may mean lives are lost.

Speed Limits

Speeding also plays into the increase in injuries and fatalities among bikers and pedestrians. This has encouraged recent proposals to reduce speed limits. Arterials are especially concerning for pedestrians, as they are constructed for higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Sidewalks

Adding to the dilemma, many areas further from the city lack sidewalks and crosswalks. Within the city, sidewalks may be in poor condition, on only one side of the road, or roped off for construction.

The result is that more people cross streets or wander temporarily onto the road.

Future Change

City officials are scrambling to make changes to D.C.’s roads so that they are friendly to drivers and pedestrians alike. For many, however, these changes can’t alter the past.

“For the hundreds who have been injured or who have lost friends, family members and loved ones to the road,” says Neil Shouse, founding partner of Shouse California Law Group, “such changes come too late.”