Pedestrian Traffic Deaths In 2016: Tennessee Sees Increase

WASHINGTON, DC — Pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2016 increased by roughly 7 percent in Tennessee 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 46 pedestrian traffic fatalities in Tennessee. For the same period in 2015, there were 43 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 Tennessee, the state was selected for a demonstration grant program. The $500,000 award for the Statewide Pedestrian and Bicyclist Focus Education and Enforcement Effort will target certain cities based upon pedestrian and bicycle crash data. The Highway Safety Office is partnering with WalkBike Nashville and Collegedale Police Department (Chattanooga) for the first year of the program.

On the engineering side, Tennessee DOT works with local communities to fund the construction of sidewalks, ADA ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, curb bulb-outs, and mid-block crossings. Additionally, TDOT wants to improve identified high pedestrian crash corridors and intersections. If approved, the agency will conduct road safety audits at these locations to identify the best safety countermeasures.

»Image via Shutterstock