According to a new report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), California has the highest number of pedestrian fatalities out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. According to the study, California had the greatest number for all of 2009 and the first half of 2010, with 563 pedestrians killed in 2009 and 260 killed in the first six months of 2010. According to the projected estimates, California saw no change in the number of pedestrian fatalities when comparing the first six months of 2009 and 2010.
The GHSA study collected data from each state’s government and compiled statistics for all of 2009 and estimates for the first six months of 2010, comparing the results and finding which states had the greatest increase and decrease in the number of pedestrian fatalities. While California came in a distant first for both 2009 and the first half of 2010, Florida came in second for both with the largest increase from 2009 to 2010.
States such as Texas and Louisiana saw a large drop in the number of pedestrian fatalities, and more rural states, including Wyoming and Vermont, had the lowest number total.
The data suggests that large states with a greater number of urban centers see the most pedestrian fatalities due to a larger population and a greater chance for pedestrian accidents to occur. Many pedestrian accidents are caused every year by distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Such factors immediately lead to a greater risk of an auto accident and often cause the driver to not notice pedestrians and acknowledge right-of-way.
Pedestrian accidents are devastating to both those injured and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Northern California pedestrian accident, Van Der Walde & Associates’ San Jose pedestrian accident injury lawyers can help you win the compensation you deserve from the responsible party. Contact us today at (877) 862-6288.
