Pedestrians throughout Florida should remain on alert anytime they step on sidewalks and streets. Why? Their lives depend on it.
According to a recent report from advocacy group Smart Growth America, Florida ranks as the second-most dangerous state for pedestrians. The Sunshine State recorded 3,420 pedestrian deaths during the five-year period of 2016 to 2020. Its ranking was based on the 3.22 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents. The only state considered more dangerous for pedestrians is New Mexico, which recorded 3.76 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population during that same period.
Daytona-Ormond: country’s most dangerous
What is happening? The report contends that U.S. streets remain dangerous by design as city planners are more focused on quickly moving cars rather than the safety of everyone from other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Smart Growth America’s study also named the country’s top 20 metropolitan areas that are most dangerous to pedestrians. Seven of those metro areas are in Florida. Those cities and their national ranking include:
- Daytona-Ormond Beach (1)
- Tampa Bay area (4)
- Jacksonville (6)
- Orlando (8)
- Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville (12)
- Miami metro area (14)
- North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area (19)
Although Daytona-Ormond Beach recorded the second-fewest fatalities from 2016 to 2020 than the other Florida metro areas listed, it averaged 4.25 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Pedestrian accidents remain one of the factors that has contributed to Florida having some of the most expensive auto insurance rates in the country.
Remain vigilant
Pedestrians must remain vigilant, especially when having to cope with negligent drivers who may be speeding, driving while drunk, drugged or distracted or just subscribe to reckless and aggressive driving. An injury can upend your life, so be careful.