Most Common Causes Of Florida Pedestrian Accidents
9Dec
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5,000 American pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents each year. Another 129,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents. Since pedestrians are at greater risk (no vehicular protection, airbags, or seat belts), every U.S. state must do everything possible to improve pedestrian safety.[1]
Florida Pedestrian Accidents, What Causes Them?
Florida has a high rate of pedestrian accidents due to the state’s many seasonal tourists, pleasant weather that inspires walking, and overall high rate of urban traffic. The following are the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents in Florida:
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Excessive speeding
- Texting and driving
- Pedestrian negligence
- Rolling stops at intersections
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Failing to stop at intersections
- Driving carelessly through school zones
Where do Pedestrian Accidents in Florida Occur?
Florida has several high-risk areas where accidents are more likely to occur due to the large presence of pedestrians walking near roadways and in parking lots. Some of these high-risk areas include:
- Sidewalks
- Beach areas
- Intersections
- Tourist attractions
- Large parking lots
- Outdoor shopping centers
- Roadside stands and farmers’ markets
In the Tampa Bay area, intersections in particular pose high risks for pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians should use extra caution and never assume that a driver sees them.
What can Florida Pedestrians Do to Stay Safe?
Follow the five steps below to stay safe as a pedestrian in Florida
- Wear light, reflective clothing when walking at night, and carry a flashlight.
- Never dart out between cars; always cross the street at designated crosswalks.
- Never assume the right of way. Always wait for cars to slow down and stop before crossing.
- Always walk on the sidewalk, and when there is no sidewalk available, always walk facing traffic.
- Look both ways before crossing the road and reduce road crossings to a minimum, especially in busy intersections.
Victim of a Florida Pedestrian Car Accident? Seek Legal Help Today
Being injured in a car accident as a pedestrian can result in life-changing medical complications. Pedestrians struck by automobiles should seek skilled legal representation to ensure they receive proper protection. Personal injury attorneys in Florida can help settle a wrongful injury case. They can ensure that the accident victim receives compensation for medical bills, time away from work, other financial losses, losses to quality of life, and losses sustained from long-term injury.
Magazine & Light Law Group is a boutique law firm with offices in Spring Hill, Florida, and Clearwater, Florida. As a Martindale Hubbell AV Rated attorney and a Board Certified Florida Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of experience, Jim Magazine leads a dedicated team with a statewide reputation for successfully handling difficult personal injury cases. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Florida, contact Magazine & Light Law Group at 727-499-9900, or fill out this convenient contact form.
Sources Cited:
[1] CDC. “Pedestrian Safety.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022. cdc.gov
James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.
Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association