According to data compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Arizona is ranked fifth for states having the highest pedestrian fatalities during 2018. As noted by the GHSA, their report, “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2018 Preliminary Data,” showed the greatest number of deaths since 1990 with an overall 6,227 pedestrian fatalities throughout the U.S. The most common location for the reported accidents occurred at non-intersection areas.
Analyzing data from nearly three decades, GHSA’s study revealed that the first six months of 2018 tallied the highest number of pedestrian fatalities. Five states – California, Florida, Texas, Georgia and Arizona – logged nearly half of all pedestrian deaths throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The statistics the GHSA report compiled for Arizona showed there were 1.74 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people during the first half of 2018.
The following are some general guidelines pedestrians should be mindful of to help reduce fatalities.
- Wear bright clothes at night and walk in the direction of oncoming traffic.
- Stay on the sidewalks; cross only at designated crosswalks and intersections.
- Prevent distractions by not talking or texting on a cell phone.
While not every accident is fatal, a pedestrian who is involved in a collision with a vehicle may have the right to a legal action for any harm, damage or injuries. In Maricopa County, a woman stepping into a crosswalk was hit by a law enforcement patrol vehicle making a left-hand turn. The impact left her with several bruises, eight fractured ribs, a ruptured spleen, a broken nose and a fractured hip. The pedestrian filed a lawsuit against the city and the law enforcement official whose vehicle struck her. As reported by the Arizona Republic, the Phoenix City Council agreed to a $600,000 settlement.