Tucson ranked among the top 25 metro areas in the nation for pedestrian death rates from 2008 to 2012, according to a study released by Governing magazine in 2014. In 2016, The Tucson Police Department investigated 15 pedestrian deaths 2017 is pacing ahead of 2016. Arizona as a whole is dangerous for pedestrians. According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, almost 200 people died in a pedestrian accident in Arizona in 2016.
What factors contribute to the situation? Arizona typically has nicer weather conditions for walking. With gas prices lower than in recent years, more drivers are on the road. Today’s drivers are more distracted behind the wheel. Many drivers use their cell phones behind the wheel, for both talking and texting. Conversely, many pedestrians are distracted as well, looking down at a cell phone and not paying enough attention to traffic or crosswalks. The Arizona Department of Transportation created a plan in 2003 with the goal of reducing the number of vehicle accidents involving pedestrians by 20%. Since 2003, annual pedestrian accidents have increased by about 30%.
What can be done about the increase? The responsibility belongs to both drivers and pedestrians.
Drivers:
-Don’t drive distracted! No texting, grooming, eating, reading, etc.
-Pay attention to pedestrian traffic and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks
-Don’t assume the pedestrian sees you; always watch out for pedestrian traffic
-Use caution at night; the majority of incidents occur after dark
Walkers:
-Don’t walk distracted-keep your head up and pay attention
-Don’t text while walking; you may walk straight into many kinds of obstacles
-Always use a crosswalk and make eye contact with the driver, don’t assume they see you
-Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, especially at night
Pedestrian accidents are often preventable. Better precautions by both drivers and pedestrians can hopefully reduce the number of pedestrian accidents statewide.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a pedestrian related accident, contact the Leader Law Firm for a free case consultation.
