Pedestrian Deaths a Concern in Volusia County
Car accidents are dangerous for vehicle drivers and passengers, but particularly dangerous for pedestrians. In Florida, pedestrian accidents tend to be more common than in other states. This is most likely due to the state’s ideal weather conditions that make biking and walking enjoyable nearly all year long.
While pedestrian accidents occur across the state, recent data highlights a particular concern regarding pedestrian deaths in Volusia County. Here, car accidents lawyers from Chanfrau & Chanfrau discuss pedestrian accident data for this part of the state, and offer individuals in Daytona Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, and surrounding areas tips on how to minimize the risk of these types of accidents.
Pedestrian Deaths in Florida
In March, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported some promising news. According to accident data from the first six months of 2020, pedestrian deaths in the state of Florida had dropped significantly compared to the previous year. During that time period, there were 14 percent fewer pedestrian deaths than there had been during the first six months of 2019.
Unfortunately, the decline in pedestrian deaths is not as positive as it looks. Data still shows that pedestrian accidents are a big concern in Florida. In fact, Florida is reported to have the second highest pedestrian death rate among the 50 states, falling short only to New Mexico. And it needs to be taken into account that pedestrian deaths were down during the same time that driving overall was down, due to the pandemic. When taking into account pedestrian deaths by miles driven, the pedestrian fatality rate actually increased 20 percent during the beginning of 2020.
Volusia County Pedestrian Deaths in 2021
Accident data highlights that pedestrian deaths are a concern across the state, but residents in Volusia County experience much higher rates. Volusia County is widely recognized as one of the most dangerous for walkers and bicyclists. Just this past week, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported that Volusia County recorded its ninth and tenth pedestrian deaths for the year, in two separate incidents. The victims were a 40-year old Daytona Beach resident and an 89-year old man.
The county reported its first pedestrian death for the year on January 25th. With these latest deaths taking place on May 7th, that means the county has suffered 10 pedestrian deaths in just over three months. This is a disturbing trend that indicates pedestrian deaths remain a large concern for Florida residents.
Minimizing the Risk Of Pedestrian Accidents
Florida’s pedestrian death statistics can be disheartening, but there are steps that drivers and pedestrians can take to increase pedestrian safety and minimize the risk of an accident.
- Avoid distracted driving
- Refrain from speeding
- Always check for pedestrian traffic before entering an intersection
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians
- Wear reflective clothing when walking or biking
- Follow posted traffic lights/signals
- When possible, use a crosswalk to cross the road, or cross at a designated intersection
- When possible, walk on the sidewalk or bike in a designated bike lane
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be due financial compensation for damages. To find out how the attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can assist you in collecting maximum compensation, send us a message online, or call (386) 258-7313.