Jacksonville is Dangerous for Pedestrians
It is important to review car accident statistics to determine if certain areas are more dangerous than others. When a particular city, street or intersection has a high number of accidents, steps should be taken to make the area safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. According to a data mined by Smart Growth America, Jacksonville is in need of dramatic changes because it ranks third in the nation among the top 10 cities for pedestrians accidents.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) recently publicized specific portions of the report to determine what areas are unsafe for elderly pedestrians. Senior citizens only account for 13 percent of the population in Florida, but they make up 21 percent of pedestrian traffic deaths. As we age, we become more vulnerable to physical injury and it takes us longer to recover. As for overall numbers, Jacksonville ranks third on the list Miami finished fourth, Tampa was second and Orlando was ranked first for most pedestrian accidents in the state.
Jacksonville.com reports that Smart Growth America ranked the city third worst back in 2011 as well. Furthermore, the Alliance for Biking and Walking had Jacksonville as the worst in the nation for pedestrian safety in 2010 and 2012.
There is a six-month campaign underway to determine how to make Jacksonville streets safer, but it is unclear what will get done. In the meantime, please remember to drive safely and to look out for pedestrians at all times. When you are walking in Jacksonville, make sure you:
- Only cross the road at intersections and in marked crosswalks.
- Never step into traffic from between two parked vehicles.
- Walk along well-lit roadways and wear bright clothing when walking at night.
- Make eye contact with nearby drivers before stepping onto the roadway.
- Walk defensively and never assume that a driver sees you.
If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact an experienced Jacksonville personal injury lawyer to better understand your legal rights and options. Financial support may be available for medical bills, lost wages, the cost of rehabilitation and other related damages.
