Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries that may require extensive medical care and missed time at work. Even cars traveling at slower speeds can cause pedestrian deaths from the sheer impact of the vehicle.
The Governors Highway Safety Association has released a new report on pedestrian traffic fatalities by state. The report estimates that 6,227 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018, a four percent increase from 2017, making it the largest annual number of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. in about three decades.
Of all the states, Texas ranked third highest in pedestrian traffic fatalities. Fort Worth accidents comprise a significant portion of these fatalities. While the city is actively searching for new ways to improve pedestrian safety, it is important to understand why pedestrian accidents happen and how to reduce your chances of being involved in a pedestrian-related accident.
The Fort Worth car accident attorneys at Anderson & Cummings can discuss your rights during a free consultation. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve after being injured by a negligent motorist.
Preliminary Data on Pedestrian Fatalities
The preliminary data compares pedestrian fatalities from January to June of 2018 during the same time period in 2017. In Texas, there were 298 pedestrian deaths in the first six months of 2018 compared to 266 in the first six months of 2017. This means that an additional 32 pedestrians were killed by motorists, a 12 percent increase year-over-year.
The state has the third highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2018 out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The state’s pedestrian fatality rate was 1.04 per 100,000 population in 2018.
Texas is also among seven states expected to have more than 100 deaths attributed to pedestrian accidents for the report period and among five states that account for nearly half (46 percent) of all pedestrian traffic fatalities.
Fort Worth Pedestrian Accidents
According to the latest findings by the Fort Worth Police Department’s Traffic Division, there were 249 reported pedestrian accidents in 2017 resulting in 122 injuries and 21 fatalities.
There have been numerous reports of serious pedestrian accidents, including the death of a pedestrian walking on the freeway, the death of a pedestrian crossing the highway in Fort Worth and the death of a pedestrian who was hit by a driver reported to be driving erratically and fled the scene, all of which occurred during the first three months in 2019. Sadly, these are not the only tragic pedestrian accidents that have happened recently in Fort Worth.
Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Fort Worth is in the process of implementing changes to help address pedestrian safety problems. One goal is to create a safe and accessible pedestrian network by increasing the use, safety and convenience of walking. Another goal is to improve the walking experience. Proposed policies and programs to accomplish these goals include the following:
- Increase the width of the sidewalk
- Design streets for safer speeds
- Design intersections to improve pedestrian safety
- Provide barrier-protected sidewalks
- Add outdoor lighting on pedestrian paths
- Identify ways to avoid collisions occurring at driveways
- Separate bike and pedestrian paths in the areas where bike/pedestrian accidents are most frequent
- Reduce speeds on city streets
- Update driveway standards for slower turning speeds
- Install additional traffic signals to slow speeds at schools and other high pedestrian use areas
- Create best practices for installing crosswalks at mid-block locations
- Adopt a Pedestrian Zone Policy
- Create incentives for developers to help develop walkable areas
- Improve pedestrian crossings in areas where there is a high rate of pedestrians
- Connect existing pedestrian developments together
- Require public access easements to be built to adhere to public street standards
The state of Texas is also using Section 402 funds, also known as the State Highway Safety Program, to improve driver behavior and reduce the risk of pedestrian deaths stemming from motor vehicle crashes.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Lawyer
If you were injured in a pedestrian-related accident, it is important to seek the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth. The legal team at Anderson Cummings has helped many accident victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
We provide a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options. There are no upfront fees and only pay for our services if we help you recover compensation for your claim.
Contact us today at (817) 920-9000 to schedule your free case evaluation.