A recent report revealed that one category, which California sits atop of, isn’t the type you want to be famous for; the Governors Highway Safety Association found that California, Florida, New York and Texas accounted for 42 percent of pedestrian fatalities nationwide. Even with an 11 percent decrease in the number of fatal pedestrian accidents in the first half of 2016 when compared with the same period in 2015 in California ranked #1 for fatal pedestrian accidents.
This statistic reflects a scary trend nationwide. Fatal pedestrian accidents have reached highs that haven’t been seen in decades. From 2015 to 2016, fatal pedestrian accidents increased more than 10 percent to the highest level in 25 years. From 2010 to 2015, fatal pedestrian accidents increased 25 percent. The most troubling trend is the sheer number of distracted drivers out there causing harm.
If you are a pedestrian: stay safe. Walk in crosswalk and look both ways before crossing. To the drivers out on the road: pay special attention to pedestrians and proceed with caution through intersections.
Source: SF Gate, “California No. 1 in U.S. study showing spike in pedestrian deaths,” Sarah Ravani, March 30, 2017