Palm Beach sees rise in pedestrian deaths

Like many people who live in Florida, you may enjoy the moderate temperatures and the ability to be out on foot more than you might be able to do comfortably in other parts of the country. While walking can be a great form of exercise, it can also put you in harm’s way when sharing busy roads with motor vehicle traffic. Too many drivers continue to make unwise choices and do not always pay attention to pedestrians.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Palm Beach County has seen an increase in the number of pedestrian deaths between 204 and 2017. In 2014, there were 34 pedestrians killed in the County. That rose to 37 the following year and remained at that level in 2016. Then, in 2017, a total of 41 pedestrians lost their lives in accidents across the county. It is important to note that from 2015 to 2017, the overall number of vehicular fatalities in the county dropped first from 187 to 181 between 2015 to 2016 and then again to 162 in 2017.

Statewide, pedestrian deaths have increased every year between 2013 and 2017. In 2013, 499 pedestrian fatalities were recorded. That increased to 588 in 2014 and then to 629 in 2015. In 2016, the state lost 653 pedestrians and another 654 in 2017. Overall vehicular deaths in the state dropped from 3,176 in 2016 to 3,112 in 2017.

If you would like to learn more about how to get help after you or a member of your family have been involved in a pedestrian accident with a car, truck or other vehicle, please feel free to visit the pedestrian’s rights and assistance page of our Florida personal injury website.