Pedestrian deaths in Pennsylvania on the rise

With the arrival of spring, more people tend to think about getting outdoors to enjoy the more temperate weather and change of seasons. Whether walking the dog or going for a jog, people can be in the position of being a pedestrian among vehicles at any turn. Sadly, there can be a very dangerous side to this reality as it seems too many drivers fail to make the safety of pedestrians the priority it deserves to be. 

A recent increase in pedestrian fatalities

According to records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths in Pennsylvania reached a dramatic 10-year high in 2018, claiming 197 lives that year alone. In 2009, the state recorded 134 pedestrian deaths which represented 10.6% of the state’s overall vehicular fatalities. The 2018 pedestrian death count represented 16.5% of all deaths in auto accidents. In 2017, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 13% of all vehicular deaths, down slightly from 14.3% the previous year. 

In Centre County, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 9.2% of all deaths between 2014 and 2018. Of its seven neighboring counties, only two had higher percentages of pedestrian deaths in those five years. Foot traffic death accounted for 13.2% of all motor vehicle accident deaths in Clinton County and for 14.2% in Mifflin County. 

It is important for pedestrians to understand both the risks of accidents and steps to take after an accident. A personal injury attorney experienced with motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania can be a helpful resource to learn what your options may be after a crash.