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In 2022, Florida had the highest population growth rate of any state at 1.9 percent. As of July 1, 2022, Florida’s population was at 22,244,823. The state of Florida’s Economic and Demographic Research Department reported the population growth was stronger than expected, increasing the anticipated number by 20,398 between April 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023.

"It is generally observed, that the per capita or per road kilometer rate of injured pedestrians in a neighborhood increases with population density,” says the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Florida Pedestrian Accident Victims

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDOT) reported 205 pedestrian accidents with 10 tragic deaths in 2022. 73 percent of all fatal pedestrian accidents were in urban environments. Already, Lee County crashes are superseding last year’s numbers.

Cape Coral Pedestrian Accident Victims

In 2021, Cape Coral-Fort Myers had a population of 790,676, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Fox4 News reported on June 28, 2023, that Cape Coral law enforcement gathered pedestrian crash data for the station showing that since June 1, 2022, Cape Coral had 53 pedestrian crashes.

One accident this year involved a child in Cape Coral who was hit when crossing the street with a bicycle. A Cape Coral resident of 10 years commented about this accident that some of the more developed areas have a big problem.

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Victims

The Fort Myers Police Department reported there were two tragic pedestrian deaths from January 1 – June 28, 2023. On August 9, 2023, the Florida Highway Patrol reported a hit-and-run crash on Palm Beach Boulevard tragically killed a pedestrian trying to cross the street.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

There can be a combination of factors causing pedestrian accidents, including distracted driving, impaired driving, intersections, school zones and bus stops, night driving, parking lots, bad weather, and a lack of adequate sidewalks.

• Distracted Driving – Sending text messages, talking on cell phones, using navigation systems, and eating while driving can all cause distracted driving/pedestrian accidents.
• Impaired Driving – Experts say that 49 percent of pedestrian accident deaths are caused by drunk drivers.
• Intersections – Crosswalks were created to allow people to share the road safely. They are also one of the most common pedestrian accident sites. Pedestrians are often struck when drivers fail to stop behind the line, run traffic lights, or make left-hand turns without looking first.
• School Zones & Bus Stops – Most of the pedestrian accidents at school zones or bus stops are caused by distracted or reckless Florida drivers.
• Night Driving – Researchers at the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that over 70 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents take place between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Parking Lots – A parking lot environment combines both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers must be especially cautious, avoiding pedestrians when driving in parking lots and backing up.
• Bad Weather – Visibility is affected by heavy rain and fog. Drivers need to adjust their driving to accommodate the conditions and avoid injuring pedestrians. They should always be sure to have their headlights on. It’s the law in Florida.
• Lack of Adequate Sidewalks – Areas without sidewalks, or where sidewalks may be placed too near the roadway, cause risks for pedestrians. Drivers must always be vigilant to avoid pedestrian accidents.

Fort Myers Pedestrian Accident Attorney Aggressively Fights for Accident Victims

"Pedestrians are no match for moving vehicles on Florida’s roadways. Drivers should always drive undistracted and always stay at the scene of an accident. Lives may be saved when drivers are responsible,” said Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of another, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you. We are available 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com.