The report found that while there has been a 27% drop in motor vehicle accident deaths in 10 years, there has only been a 14% drop in pedestrian deaths during the same period. In some areas, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased.
The 10 worst metro areas for pedestrian deaths occurring between 2000 and 2009:
- Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida
- Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano, Florida
- Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario, California
- Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Arizona
- Houston/Sugar Land/Baytown, Texas
- Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas
The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana metro area ranked 27th in the nation for pedestrian deaths. The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metro area ranked 5th.
According to Transportation for America, the common thread that connects these pedestrian deaths is that they occur on roads that aren't conducive to walkers, bicyclists or people in wheelchairs. In those metro areas with the highest pedestrian deaths, the risks to pedestrians are heightened due to states' failure to invest in safety-focused infrastructure.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has prioritized pedestrian safety. Concepts included in their plan: adding sound to electric and hybrid vehicle to alert nearby pedestrians; adding vehicle sensor systems that can detect pedestrians and reduce speed; and proposing new hood and bumper regulations to reduce injuries and fatalities to pedestrians.
The report highlights that more work needs to be done to protect pedestrians. Pedestrians need to protect themselves by remaining vigilant and assuming that all drivers do not see them.