Walkers in Jacksonville BEWARE! Our city is the third most dangerous place in the entire country for pedestrians. That’s according to a report released by Dangerous in Design.
There have been a staggering 359 pedestrian fatalities in Jacksonville from 2003 to 2012. Orlando and Tampa were ranked first and second in pedestrian fatalities nationwide.
The report recommends passage of a federal bill requiring both pedestrian and bicyclist safety to be considered on all federally funded road projects.
The Florida Times-Union reports that Jacksonville has earmarked $1 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects. America Walks executive director Scott Bricker told the newspaper, “People really should have the right to walk safely. It really starts with recognition this is a critical issue and recognizing that people should be able to access critical services on foot.”
We should all be able to feel safe while walking in our community. Distracted drivers who may be texting or talking on the phone likely contribute to the high numbers of fatalities and injuries.
But pedestrians also need to be alert and paying attention as they walk. Teenagers are now becoming the most at risk to be hit because they are often texting, talking or playing games on their phones as they walk.
The following tips are provided by the Centre for Road Safety:
Always use pedestrian crossings.
Never assume that an approaching vehicle can see you, or will stop for you – wait until all vehicles have stopped before you cross.
At intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the curb and while you are crossing the road.
Avoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses.
Wear bright, light-colored clothing at night or in reduced-visibility conditions.
Avoid using a mobile phone or portable media player (so you can hear vehicles and concentrate on crossing the road).
At traffic lights, make sure that vehicles stop before you start to cross, and don’t enter the road if vehicles are moving through the crossing.
Over the years, The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic has represented numerous pedestrians who have suffered injuries after being hit by vehicles in our community. Whether you are driving or walking, please be alert and aware at all times.
Walkers in Jacksonville BEWARE! Our city is the third most dangerous place in the entire country for pedestrians. That’s according to a report released by Dangerous in Design.
There have been a staggering 359 pedestrian fatalities in Jacksonville from 2003 to 2012. Orlando and Tampa were ranked first and second in pedestrian fatalities nationwide.
The report recommends passage of a federal bill requiring both pedestrian and bicyclist safety to be considered on all federally funded road projects.
The Florida Times-Union reports that Jacksonville has earmarked $1 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects. America Walks executive director Scott Bricker told the newspaper, “People really should have the right to walk safely. It really starts with recognition this is a critical issue and recognizing that people should be able to access critical services on foot.”
We should all be able to feel safe while walking in our community. Distracted drivers who may be texting or talking on the phone likely contribute to the high numbers of fatalities and injuries.
But pedestrians also need to be alert and paying attention as they walk. Teenagers are now becoming the most at risk to be hit because they are often texting, talking or playing games on their phones as they walk.
The following tips are provided by the Centre for Road Safety:
Over the years, The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic has represented numerous pedestrians who have suffered injuries after being hit by vehicles in our community. Whether you are driving or walking, please be alert and aware at all times.