Statistical analysis is important to assess motor vehicle accidents. For Floridians who are concerned about their safety on the road, knowing how and why crashes occur can be a key to avoiding accidents.
Since there are so many pedestrians and bicyclists in the state, the number of crashes that involve these individuals is especially important. New information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 2018 was the third-worst year for road fatalities in the decade. At serious risk were pedestrians.
There were 36,750 road deaths in the U.S. in 2018. While that was a reduction of 1% from the prior year and it is positive that there have been fewer deaths, there remain troubling signs. The fewest fatalities in a year were 32,744 in 2014. That has risen by more than 12% since to the levels it reached in 2018. Distracted driving, driving at excessive speed, and drinking and driving are viewed as major concerns. The full statistics have yet to be released, but the preliminary stats are stoking fear among researchers.
In 2018, the number of pedestrian fatalities reached its highest point since 1990. The Governors Highway Safety Association says that there was a national rise of 4% in pedestrian deaths. There was a total of 6,227 pedestrian fatalities. For every 100 million vehicle miles, there were 1.14 deaths. That is a reduction from 1.17 in 2017. Still, it is the fourth most road fatalities in the last decade.
Any motor vehicle accident can lead to injuries and death, but with pedestrians, their inherent vulnerability places them in a more precarious situation when there is an accident.
Spinal cord damage, head injuries, broken bones, and other injuries can cause lifelong problems personally and financially. Medical costs, lost wages and long-term damage can put an endless strain on the person and the family. If there is a fatality, those left behind must determine how to move forward. Having legal assistance to investigate motor vehicle accidents is one of the primary factors to a successful lawsuit for compensation. After a crash, it is vital to call for a consultation to learn how to pursue a case.
