Pedestrian Traffic Deaths In 2016: Florida Sees Increase

WASHINGTON, DC — Pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2016 increased by roughly 8 percent in Florida compared with 2015, according to a new study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association released last week.

According to the analysis of preliminary data, pedestrian traffic fatalities increased in 34 states and decreased in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, the study estimates that the number of pedestrians killed in 2016 increased by 11 percent compared to 2015, the largest annual increase in both the number and percentage of pedestrian fatalities in 40 years. The increase for all of 2016 was estimated based on preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices for the first half of 2016.

According to the study, between January-June 2016, there were 301 pedestrian traffic fatalities in Georgia. For the same period in 2015, there were 277 pedestrian traffic fatalities.

The GHSA says factors such as increased driving, fuel prices and the amount of time people spent walking all likely contributed to the increase in pedestrian fatalities. A more recent factor for the increase may be the use of smartphones while walking and driving, which can be a source of distraction for both pedestrians and motorists.

As a percentage of total motor vehicle deaths, pedestrian deaths increased from 11 percent to 15 percent between 2006-2015.

The study also highlighted what states are doing to combat the increase in pedestrian fatalities. In Florida, a statewide pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign focuses on areas with the highest number of fatal and serious injury pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Even in areas that are not prioritized, engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response are mobilized to address pedestrian safety.

Florida is completely rethinking the way roads are designed and built so the entire transportation system is being planned, designed and built to ensure the safety, mobility, and accessibility of all users.

Ongoing improvements include the addition of high visibility crosswalks and pedestrian countdown signals, signal timing/leading pedestrian intervals, advanced warning signs,speed reduction, and improved intersection lighting. The state also provides training to state and local partners.

The Florida DOT established alliances to form the state’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition. Campaigns are geared toward increasing awareness and compliance with traffic laws; safe crossing practices; understanding of pedestrian and bicycle related signs, signals, and pavement markings; decreasing pedestrian distractions; and reducing the number of impaired, speeding and distracted motorists impacting pedestrians and bicyclists.

To improve emergency response, the state provides ongoing training to first responders on the most common pedestrian and bicycle crash injury types so they arrive on scene prepared to provide the appropriate level of care.

Finally, Florida established an evidence-based high visibility enforcement initiative with local law enforcement agencies to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. The effort began four years ago with 13 agencies and has since grown to 60.

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