Florida Ranked as the Deadliest State for Pedestrians

Deadly Pedestrian Accidents in Florida Continue to Rise

Florida, the Sunshine State, is renowned for its picturesque beaches, world-class amusement parks, and warm, balmy weather. However, beneath this sunny facade lurks a darker reality: Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians. This isn’t a recent development; it’s a consistent, troubling pattern that warrants an in-depth examination.

When it comes to pedestrian safety, Florida is considered the deadliest of all 50 states. A recent study done by Smart Growth America and National Complete Streets Coalition, titled “Dangerous by Design,” ranked the Sunshine State as the most dangerous when it comes to car accidents involving pedestrian fatalities.

Across the United States, pedestrian safety is a prescient issue. According to the study, more than 6,500 people were killed while walking in 2020. There were 5,433 pedestrian deaths in Florida between the years 2008 and 2017. This figure is fairly significant, considering approximately 49,300 people were killed nationwide in that same span of time by drivers.

The study used a measurement called the “Pedestrian Danger Index” or PDI to determine which U.S. cities were particularly deadly for pedestrians. The PDI measurement is based on the number of individuals who were struck and killed by drivers while they were walking. This index controls for the number of individuals in that state or metropolitan area and the share of people who walk to work. The study also received its data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which is a national database recording all traffic fatalities.

Demographic Disparities in Pedestrian Death Rates

When discussing pedestrian safety, it’s crucial to recognize the stark demographic disparities that exist. Pedestrian fatalities are not evenly distributed among the population; certain groups are disproportionately affected.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and non-white populations are overrepresented in pedestrian deaths. In 2020, pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in the United States.

Similarly, the report by Smart Growth America found that people of color, particularly Black and Native American individuals, are significantly more likely to be struck and killed by a car while walking. Their research suggests that these groups are 50% and 67% more likely, respectively, to be hit and killed by a vehicle compared to white Americans. 

Moreover, individuals from lower-income neighborhoods often face higher risks. These communities frequently lack the infrastructure investments that can make walking safer, such as well-maintained sidewalks, safe crosswalks, and well-lit paths.

Addressing these disparities requires an equity-focused approach to pedestrian safety that includes investing in infrastructure improvements in under-resourced neighborhoods and ensuring that the needs of all community members are considered in urban planning decisions.

Florida Cities Most Dangerous for Pedestrians

Alarmingly, eight of the top ten most dangerous metropolitan areas in the country for pedestrians are in Florida, according to the same report. Overall, of the top 20 metro areas considered unsafe or deadly for pedestrians, nine of them were Florida metropolitan areas.

These cities include:

• Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford
• Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach
• Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville
• North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton
• Lakeland-Winter Haven
• Jacksonville
• Cape Coral-Fort Myers
• Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater.

The data showed that the Orlando metropolitan area was the worst reported location for pedestrians, with the Daytona Beach area coming in second. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area came in at number 14 for the most dangerous areas for pedestrians.

Pedestrian deaths have been on the rise since 2009. In fact, from 2008 through 2017, pedestrian fatalities increased by over 35 percent. As pedestrian accident attorneys, this is something we see all too often. The increase in Orlando pedestrian accidents and pedestrian accidents across the state has led to the development of extensive pedestrian laws in the State of Florida.

Why Is Florida the Most Dangerous State for Pedestrians?

The increased numbers can be attributed to several factors, including the fact that more individuals are driving instead of walking to work. Additionally, street design in many metropolitan areas has not been designed or improved for these additional cars, thus making the streets more dangerous for walkers to travel safely along the streets. Many experts believe that street design is actually making travel more dangerous for pedestrians. Add the increase in distracted driving and smartphone use, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Moreover, the state’s rapid urban sprawl, combined with the high numbers of elderly residents and tourists unfamiliar with local roads, contribute to the problem. Florida’s beautiful weather, which invites year-round outdoor activity, also ironically increases exposure and the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian-related accidents in Orlando are quite common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration supports this fact by reporting that the State of Florida has the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population. It is estimated that approximately 4,280 pedestrians lost their lives in 2010 in the U.S., with 487 of these being from Florida. While the vast majority of accidents occur due to driver negligence, pedestrians can take certain steps to stay vigilant and reduce their risk of hazards while walking. We offer some important pedestrian safety tips on our auto accident blog.

The Future of Pedestrian Safety in Florida

The future surrounding this issue requires concerted efforts from policymakers and local communities. City planners and engineers must prioritize and implement pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in existing and new developments. This includes creating more crosswalks, installing pedestrian traffic signals, and designing streets that discourage high-speed traffic.

Additionally, law enforcement and public education can play a vital role. Strict enforcement of traffic laws and public campaigns that promote pedestrian safety awareness can significantly reduce the risk for pedestrians.

Despite the alarming statistics, there’s reason to remain optimistic. In recent years, Florida has launched the “Complete Streets” program aimed at designing and operating streets to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. 

Additionally, qualified legal assistance is available for those who find themselves injured in pedestrian accidents in Florida. An experienced attorney, such as those found at the law offices of Michael T. Gibson, can help you make a financial recovery after an accident disrupts your quality of life.

Injured? Contact a Trusted Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyer. 

Involved in a pedestrian accident? Hire an Experienced Orlando Pedestrian Accident Lawyer.

If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in the greater Orlando area or in the surrounding counties of Seminole, Orange, Osceola, or Volusia, call us today. You may also use the contact form found on this page to schedule your free consultation with an attorney at our firm. 

The law offices of Michael T. Gibson, P.A. is dedicated to protecting the rights of those involved in automobile accidents and will fight aggressively on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve following an accident. We can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, loss of wages, pain, and suffering. Our office is open daily from 8 AM – 5 PM. We are also available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 407-422-4529.