Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu
Douglas & Douglas Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Free Accident/Injury Consultation
  • ~
  • Review Us

Florida More Dangerous Than Ever for Pedestrians

Pedest5

According to a new report, Florida is still the most dangerous state for pedestrians, with Tampa Bay and seven other Florida cities ranking as the most dangerous areas in all of America. The state far outranks the next highest state—Alabama—in the number of pedestrian deaths that occur there each year where, nationwide, 2016 – 2017 were the most dangerous years for pedestrians in the last three decades. The report also highlighted that those most at risk are the elderly, those living in low-income neighborhoods, minorities, and people with disabilities.

The deadliest areas in Florida included the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, which had a reported 900 pedestrian deaths between 2006 and 2016, even after Tampa Bay invested in streets that prioritize both safety and convenience. Orlando and Hillsborough County also ranked as very dangerous areas, with Orlando being the most dangerous area for pedestrians in all of Florida.

The Challenge to Improve Safety

While areas like St. Petersburg have committed to reducing pedestrian deaths by adding bike lanes, crossings, markings, and trails, cities have also drawn opposition from drivers who have complained about traffic lanes being replaced in order to accommodate new, extra-wide bike lanes. Still, hundreds of flashing crosswalks have already been installed on roadways throughout Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough is also making efforts to install crossings and improve intersections.

The Problem Made Worse by E-Scooters

The issue has also gotten reportedly worse now that e-scooters and pedestrians have to compete for sidewalk space. Not only are the scooters running into pedestrians and causing serious injuries, but a number of pedestrians also regularly trip over scooters left on the ground, suffering serious injuries as a result. One man in Florida suffered a shattered knee after tripping over one of these devices, and was unable to walk as a result, having to move into an assisted living facility and deteriorating in health after the accident.

As a result, a number of families are not only concerned about suing the riders, but the companies that make these scooters and the cities that fail to properly regulate them. Many of these accidents are completely avoidable and never would have happened if the scooters hadn’t been left in the middle of the sidewalk.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured, Contact Our Florida Pedestrian Attorneys

Pedestrian accidents can lead to the most serious, catastrophic injuries; some of which change a person’s life forever and prevent them from returning to work.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian in Florida, contact our accident attorneys today at Douglas & Douglas, Attorneys at Law, to find out what your options are. The last thing you want to do is try to negotiate with an insurance company whose job it is to minimize the amount of compensation you receive.

Resources:

washingtonpost.com/business/economy/pedestrians-and-e-scooters-are-clashing-in-the-struggle-for-sidewalk-space/2019/01/11/4ccc60b0-0ebe-11e9-831f-3aa2c2be4cbd_story.html

tampabay.com/transportation/report-florida-still-the-most-dangerous-state-for-pedestrians-20190123/

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Skip footer and go back to main navigation