Pedestrians walk for many reasons, including exercise, work or just to get wherever they need to be. Though walking has a great deal of benefit, it also comes with its fair share of risk. Pedestrians are sometimes struck by passing vehicles. Arizona families may be interested to know of a recent report that has discovered a sharp rise in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents.
The report was issued by two groups called Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. According to the study, from 2008 to 2017, drivers in the U.S. struck and killed nearly 50 thousand pedestrians. That rate is the equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing once a month with no survivors. Representatives for the group say that figure constitutes a 35 percent rise in pedestrian deaths over the last decade.
Arizona ranks tenth in the list for most deadly states for pedestrians. Advocates say that infrastructure that would create safer conditions for walking is sub par. The study also showed evidence that more vulnerable groups of people are more likely to suffer a fatal pedestrian accident, including people of color and older adults. The SGA and NCSC created an interactive map that can show residents where dangerous areas may be located.
The rise in these fatal pedestrian accidents may have Arizona families concerned, especially when considering where Arizona ranks on the list of most deadly states for pedestrians. A victim of this kind of accident, or his or her loved ones, may find it helpful to seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney. Doing so may result in monetary compensation that can be used for any outstanding costs associated with this kind of tragedy.