November 21, 2011

According to Florida’s First Coast News, nine pedestrians die each week and 21 are injured. This makes Florida the most dangerous state for pedestrians in the country.

Rated the third most dangerous city for pedestrians is Jacksonville, Florida, reports Transportation For America, an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.

From 2006 to 2012, in Duval County 120 pedestrians were killed, and 60 were killed in the surrounding counties of Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, and Putnam.

Most pedestrians are at fault in fatal accidents, said Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Leeper. “Most pedestrians that are struck are crossing in an area where they should not be crossing. They should be a crosswalks, at intersections. They should be visible.”

“When you are crossing, make eye contact with the driver to make sure they see you…If you are driving, pay attention to what you are doing.”

Representative Irv Slosberg, who lost a daughter in a car crash, said motorists using cell phones and texting are an ever-increasing danger to pedestrians. “Driver distraction is causing us to move backwards instead of forwards.”

Leeper added that pedestrians should also take care walking in parking lots. He said a lot of injuries occur there as well as on the roadways.

Read more.

What are some things that you as a pedestrian can do to stay safe? As a motorist to keep pedestrians safe?

Have you or someone you know been in a Florida accident?

The Florida pedestrian accident lawyers at Steinger, Iscoe & Greene may be able to help.

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