Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities on the Rise
While federal and state policymakers have been promoting walking and biking as a way for people to reduce air pollution as well as traffic congestion, statistics show that these activities have become more dangerous. Over recent years, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities have been increasing nationwide.
According to federal data, more than 6,200 pedestrians suffered fatal injuries during traffic accidents during the year 2018, continuing an unsettling trend. This number is the highest pedestrian fatality count recorded in the United States since 1990 and represents an increase of over 50 percent since 2009. Similarly, fatal bicycle accidents increased by 36 percent during the same time period.
A Reversal of Progress
Notably, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities had been trending downward until around 2009. Traffic engineer for the Governors Highway Safety Association, Richard Retting, stated that recent numbers show a “complete reversal of progress.” Retting added that he hasn’t “seen a trend like this” during his 38 years as a traffic engineer.
Retting also noted that early indications show that the numbers for 2019 may be even worse. Available data shows that both San Jose and Nashville reported record-high numbers of fatal pedestrian accidents last year. Furthermore, Los Angeles officials indicated that pedestrians and cyclists accounted for 60 percent of all traffic deaths even though they were only involved in under one percent of the city’s vehicle accidents. In New York City, the number of cyclist deaths doubled from the previous year.
Decrease in Total Deaths
Making the uptick in pedestrian and cyclist deaths even more concerning is the fact that, since 2008, the total number of auto accident fatalities has trended slightly downward. The most recent numbers show that almost one out of every five traffic fatalities is either a cyclist or pedestrian, while it was only around 14 percent in 2008.
Possible Causes
While there’s no easy answer as to why pedestrian and cyclist deaths have increased, there are a few possible causes. One such cause, noted by Joe Cutrufo from the group Transportation Alternative, is that vehicles have increased in safety while many streets have not improved, leaving people outside of a car even more vulnerable.
The increase in fatalities has also closely coincided with the explosion of smartphone usage. While it’s difficult to determine just how much cell phone use contributes to traffic fatalities, the NHTSA estimates that more than 2,800 people lost their lives in crashes caused by distracted drivers during 2018.
Finally, some groups have suggested that an increase in the average size of vehicles may be part of the issue. SUVs and pickup trucks now make up around 69 percent of all new vehicle sales, higher than ever before. Studies have suggested that pedestrians who are struck by these larger vehicles are more likely to suffer severe or fatal trauma.
Other Blogs from Redding Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith
- One Dead Following Redding Car Crash
- What are Redding Personal Injury Lawyers?
- Eight Cars Involved in Redding DUI Accident
Redding Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Redding personal injury lawyer. Receiving injuries during an auto accident can be serious. If a crash has harmed you or somebody in your life, get in touch with me at either (530) 392-9400 or my toll-free phone number, (800) 404-5400.
I’ve been working with residents of Redding for more than 38 years, helping them obtain settlements and verdicts to cover their accident damages. Before calling me, take a moment to check out the client reviews I have received at these websites:
I’m a part of:
Picture: ab
:ms llo [cs 610]