Pedestrian Deaths: GHSA Report Reveals Alarming Increase | Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, P.A.

Pedestrian deaths reached a 41-year high last year, according to a recent nationwide report comparing the number of pedestrian deaths in each state in 2022.

“This continues the upward trend that the United States has been experiencing for decades and represents the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1981,” according to the recent report published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Breaking down the GHSA study

The GHSA releases its annual “Pedestrian Accident Fatalities By State,” which analyzes the number of pedestrian accident deaths by state based on information collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Last year, 7,508 pedestrians died in accidents nationwide, making 2022 the deadliest year for pedestrian fatalities in a single year since 1981, according to the GHSA. In addition, the GHSA noted that pedestrian deaths have increased dramatically in the past decade, including a 77 percent increase from 2010 to 2022 and a 19 percent increase from 2019 to 2022.

“The saddest part is that these crashes are preventable,” said Jonathan Adkins, chief executive officer of the GHSA, in an interview with Forbes.

Pedestrian fatalities in Florida

Despite a slight decrease in pedestrian deaths in 2022, Florida remains one of the deadliest states in the nation for pedestrians. According to the GHSA, an estimated 822 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents last year, showing a 1.1 percent decline compared to 2021's 833 fatalities.

However, Florida still ranked third-highest in pedestrian fatality rate per capita, highlighting the persistent danger faced by people on foot. Over the past decade, the situation has worsened significantly, with a 72.3 percent increase in pedestrian deaths from 477 fatalities in 2012, as reported by the NHTSA.

Addressing the problem

The GHSA study included several suggestions for reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities and accidents, including:

Better street lighting, especially at crosswalks and intersections where pedestrian accidents have occurred in the past.
Lowering the speed limits on streets where pedestrian fatalities are common.
Improving road design to consider all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users.
Building sidewalks along streets where there currently are no sidewalks.
Educating drivers about the vulnerability of pedestrians when drivers are negligent.
Encourage police to enforce existing drunk driving, speeding, and texting while driving laws.

Holding negligent drivers accountable

If you were hit by a car or a loved one died in a fatal pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Unfortunately, claims involving pedestrian accidents can quickly become complicated legal cases.

At the Law Offices of Brent Miller, P.A., we are here to help. We strive to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.

Get the law firm that gets results. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a law firm that knows how to fight for accident victims in Central Florida. Talk to an attorney at one of our four offices in Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, or The Villages.