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The Governors' Highway Safety Association has just released the numbers. "Florida is on pace in 2017 to a record of 600 pedestrian accidents in one year, the second highest rate in the country."

Trenda McPherson, Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program Manager for the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) says that many locals assume it is because of the large number of senior citizens. However, that is not the case. Distracted drivers also play a part along with Florida's own cultural divides. With its diverse immigrant populations comes a similarly diverse mix of pedestrian behaviors," said Ms. McPherson.

NHTSA (National Traffic Safety Administration) Traffic Safety Facts issued in February 2017 reported the following key facts about pedestrian fatalities in 2015 in the United States:

• There were 5,376 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 9.5 percent increase from the 4,910 pedestrian fatalities in 2014. This is the highest number of pedestrians killed annually since 1996.
• On average, a pedestrian was killed nearly every 1.6 hours and injured more than every 7.5 minutes in traffic crashes.
• Pedestrian deaths accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities.
• 26 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred from 6:00 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. 
• More than one-fifth (21 percent) of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
• More than two-thirds (70 percent) of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were males.
• Alcohol involvement for the driver and/or the pedestrian was reported in 48 percent of all fatal pedestrian crashes.
• In 2015, 90 percent of the pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes that involved single vehicles.
• Nineteen percent of the pedestrians killed in 2015 were struck in crashes that involved hit-and-run drivers.

Safety tips for drivers from the NHTSA:

• Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may not be walking where they should be or may be hard to see, especially in poor-lit conditions, including dusk/dawn/night and poor weather.
• Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.  
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street.
• Slow down and look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. 
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit; slow down around pedestrians.
• Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, like school zones and neighborhoods.

Safety tips for pedestrians from the NHTSA:

• Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available.
• If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic. Stay alert; don't be distracted by electronic devices, including smart phones, MP3 players, and other devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you (he or she could be distracted, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or just not see you). Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
• Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area; wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking. 

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey says, "Pedestrian accidents can be prevented. Both drivers and pedestrians need to watch out for one another and not be distracted. Should you or a loved one be injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact our experienced team of attorneys to review your case. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you."

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney - the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.