Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Highest in 20 years

Watch Where You’re Walking! Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise!

We know that the increase in motor vehicles accidents is the result of distracted drivers using mobile phones while they are driving. However, did you know that according to a new study just released by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2016 could be the deadliest year in more than two decades with 6,000 pedestrian deaths

You may have seen the funny videos posted online of people walking down the sidewalk, head down, glued to their smart phone, oblivious to their surroundings and falling into fountains and pools. But with cameras watching nearly everywhere, it isn’t a laughing matter to see videos of pedestrians, seeming unaware of their surroundings, being mowed down by distracted drivers. With their dense populations and high traffic volumes, bigger cities are more dangerous for pedestrians than smaller cities and towns. But preliminary data shows that even rural states, like Iowa, saw an increase in deadly pedestrian accidents. Iowa experienced a 35% increase over the first half of 2016 over the first half of 2015. (Iowa had 8 fatal pedestrian accidents in first half of 2015 and 11 fatal pedestrian accidents in the first 6 months of 2016 – a 37.5% increase).

There are many factors that are causing the rise in car and pedestrian accidents. Experts advise that you use common sense and, just like when you are driving, you should put your smart phone down while walking, especially when approaching and walking through cross walks and intersections.

Iowa Fatal Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Hiring the right Iowa fatal pedestrian accident attorney is probably the most important decision you will ever have to make in your life. To find out if we are right fit for you, call us at 515-283-2116 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with attorney John T. Hemminger.

Source: Governors Highway Safety Association, “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State”, accessed March 31, 2017.