In Connecticut, the roads can be a dangerous place. Pedestrians are among the most at risk of injuries and fatalities from a collision. Despite attempts on the part of lawmakers and legislators to make the roads safer, statistics indicate that pedestrian fatalities are on the rise.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths have grown by 60% from 2009 to 2019. In its preliminary assessment of 2019 statistics, there were nearly 6,600 deaths. That was a 5% rise from 2018. At the same time, the overall number of traffic fatalities rose by 2% from 2009 to 2018. The pedestrian fatality total is the worst it has been since 1988. For every 100,000 people, there are two pedestrian deaths — the highest in more than 20 years.
Certain states are more dangerous for pedestrians; nearly half the fatalities occur in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arizona and California. However, people from across the nation should pay attention to the trend. It must be noted that people traveled 0.8% more frequently in motor vehicles in 2019 than they did in 2018. Other contributing factors include:
- More people driving SUVs and light trucks
- Improved weather
- Distracting driving from smartphones
Research indicates that people hit by SUVs compared to a smaller passenger vehicle have double the chance of dying. In 2018, 69% of new vehicle purchases were light trucks/SUVs. That is a rise of more than 20% from 2009. This information should give pause to pedestrians as they head out the door.
When there is an auto-pedestrian accident, the ramification can be catastrophic. As these statistics show, many who are hit by a vehicle in pedestrian accidents lose their lives. Compensation can be critical to getting the necessary treatment and moving forward. If you’re planning to file a claim for damages, an experienced legal professional can help with the process.
