When pedestrians take to the streets in Ohio, they are at constant risk of being hit by a motor vehicle and sustaining serious injuries that are often fatal. While this has long been a problem, the current statistics show that it is getting worse.
Pedestrian fatalities spike
The Governors Highway Safety Association says that in 2022, the United States had the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1981. More than 7,500 people lost their lives in these accidents. Since 2010, the number of pedestrian fatalities has risen by more than three-quarters.
Experts are trying to determine the reasons behind this spike. They cite the following factors:
- Drivers behaving recklessly
- More people moving to the suburbs where there are fewer sidewalks
- More SUVs and trucks on the road
It was noted that people began behaving more dangerously on the road during the health crisis. Since there was a decrease in law enforcement and traffic declined, it gave people unusual freedom and it has carried over. Speeding is a major issue.
The prevalence of SUVs and trucks is problematic in several ways. The injuries in pedestrian accidents can be worse because their height means the person is hit from the chest and upward, potentially leading to greater damage. Even advanced technology is not having the desired effect on safety.
People need to gauge the long-term ramifications of a pedestrian accident
Taking caution when out as a pedestrian can be helpful, but as these numbers show, people have more of a chance of losing their lives in a pedestrian crash than they have in 41 years. Those who have lost a loved one need to think about the future and consider their options.
