Florida Ranked Among Deadliest States for Pedestrians

Florida remains one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians based on the high number of pedestrian accident fatalities each year in recent years in the Sunshine State, according to a recent nationwide study conducted by Smart Growth America about the most dangerous state for pedestrians.

So, just how bad are Florida pedestrian accident fatalities? Is the problem getting worse in recent years? And what can be done to prevent pedestrian accidents in Florida? A pedestrian accident attorney at the Law Offices of Brent Miller, P.A. in Central Florida explains.

How bad are pedestrian accidents in Florida?

The short answer? Terrible. In 2023, 10,290 pedestrian accidents in Florida resulted in 8,132 injuries and 778 pedestrian fatalities, according to the most recent statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

And while Florida state officials have set a goal of zero motor vehicle fatalities, including pedestrian fatalities, Florida drivers continue to cause more than 3,100 motor vehicle deaths each year on average, according to a recent Safe Streets blog about pedestrian fatalities nationwide.

Are pedestrian accident fatalities increasing in Florida?

The numbers are clear – pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in Florida. Last year was one of the deadliest years on record for pedestrians in Florida. The only year other than last year since 2013 when more pedestrians died in Florida was 2021, when the state recorded 819 pedestrian fatalities, according to accident data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Such numbers explain why Smart Growth America recently ranked Florida the second deadliest state nationwide for pedestrian fatalities. In the past 10 years, Florida has averaged 3.43 pedestrian deaths for every 100,000 people, the second-highest pedestrian death toll of any state in the country. Only New Mexico had a higher per capita pedestrian fatality rate.

Why are pedestrian accidents so bad in Florida?

Officials from Smart Growth Design, Florida pedestrian safety advocates, and state officials who studied this issue identified several reasons for the many pedestrian accidents in Florida. Some of the contributing factors include:

• Poor road design, especially wider streets that require pedestrians to cross long distances.
• Speeding drivers who go too fast and put pedestrians at risk.
• Distracted drivers who are not paying attention, especially when drivers are talking or texting on their phones.
• Lack of enforcement of existing laws, including speeding laws, distracted driving regulations, and rules requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians walking in a crosswalk.

What can drivers do to prevent pedestrian accidents?

Drivers need to do their part to protect pedestrians and to avoid hitting a pedestrian crossing the street or walking alongside a road. Some of the steps drivers can take to make Florida’s roads safer for pedestrians include:

• Slow down, especially near busy intersections, where many pedestrian accidents occur in Florida.
• Look carefully before turning at an intersection or any point on a road.
• Set down your phone while driving, and don’t text while driving, which is against the law in Florida.

Why should I hire a Central Florida pedestrian accident attorney?

You might think you don’t need a lawyer if a driver hits you while crossing a street or walking alongside a road. After all, you didn’t do anything wrong. The driver should be held responsible for your injuries and losses.

Unfortunately, that’s not how it often works. Instead, many at-fault drivers deny doing anything wrong. They might even try to blame you for causing the accident. That’s why you need an experienced Florida pedestrian accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Brent Miller, P.A.

Get the law firm that puts your best interests first. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Central Florida pedestrian accident lawyer you can count on in a crisis. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement for you. Talk to a lawyer at one of our four offices in Central Florida, including Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and The Villages.

"My phone calls were always returned, and my questions were always answered. I was satisfied with the results of my case. Thank you for your splendid help!" – Mark and Sandy R.