Pedestrian deaths reach 30-year high in 2019

[FeedBot]

Pedestrian deaths caused by drivers increased 50% in the past decade, according to a report released last month from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Moreover, the 6,590 pedestrian deaths forecast for 2019 represents a 5% spike from 2018, and is the highest number of deaths in more than 30 years, when there were far fewer passenger...

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[Ringo64]

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Five states accounted for nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities in the first six months of 2019: California, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Warmer states are likely to have more pedestrians. 

The latter 4 states also have a very high percentage of snow birds. Living in FL, I am not surprised. 

Last month, I was almost hit twice in 2 different cross walks (where I had right of way) by the same car, heading into a restaurant.

[Frosty]

I find it interesting that the article has to state the obvious about fatalities between SUVs and cars. Mass times velocity is the key point here. You are just as dead if you are hit hard enough.

Not once did any of the facts indicate steps that pedestrians need to take to increase their awareness / safety. The emphasis is more on the improving infrastructure and vehicles. Not the people. Hmmm...I think the author is missing that key part of the point. 

What the article fails to indicate is what percentage of these fatalities does the pedestrian contribute to his/her death (e.g. - by not paying attention, wearing dark or  black clothing at night, etc.)? Any death is tragic to be sure. However, public education for BOTH drivers and pedestrians is needed here. Reliance just on technology is a bad thing. Reliance on driver education ignores the other half of the this tragic scenario.