Pedestrian accidents continue to pose serious risks to New Yorkers. In fact, pedestrian fatalities are the highest they have been in the last 30 years, according to a new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association. They reported a 4 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2017 to 2018 in the United States.
Why are pedestrian deaths increasing? Various factors have contributed to the increase in fatal pedestrian accidents across the country. The report found that several factors contributed to the increase in deaths:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- More pedestrians walking to work
- More SUVs and larger vehicles on the road
Safety tips for pedestrians
Pedestrian fatalities in New York and across the country may continue to rise as more people rely on walking and public transportation than driving a vehicle. Safety groups and cities are concerned about how to address pedestrian safety issues before the problem gets any worse.
You should be aware of what actions you can take to protect yourself while walking. Below are some pedestrian safety tips to consider:
- Walk on the sidewalk and within the cross-walk
- Watch for approaching vehicles before you cross
- Look across all lanes of traffic
- Do not assume vehicles will stop
- Obey traffic signals
- Use a flashlight and wear reflective clothing when walking at night
Pedestrians can face serious injuries and even death if a vehicle strikes them. Understanding the different ways to stay safe may help prevent an accident, but it is still up to all drivers to make sure they are driving safely and taking steps to prevent an accident.