Pedestrian fatalities in Washington, DC up 40 percent in 2015

Governors Highway Safety Association study estimates 10 percent rise in fatalities nationwide

A recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimates a 10 percent rise in pedestrians killed in auto accident in 2015 over the previous year. In Washington, DC alone, the GHSA estimates pedestrian deaths soared 40 percent in 2015 over 2014.

While 21 states actually saw a decrease in fatal pedestrian accidents, 26 others and the District of Columbia had increased in pedestrian deaths. Main, Utah, and Wyoming all saw their numbers stay the same.

Factors contributing to rise in pedestrian deaths

According to the report, several factors contributed to the sharp rise in pedestrian deaths nationwide. Those variables included:

• Economic conditions
• Demographics
• Weather conditions
• Fuel prices
• Amount of motor vehicle travel
• Amount of time people spend walking

Pedestrian accident statistics

The GHSA’s findings detail a disturbing trend of rising pedestrian fatalities across the country. Some eye-catching statistics contained in the analysis show:

• California, Florida, Texas and New York accounted for 42 percent of all pedestrian fatalities
• Arizona, Delaware, and Florida had the highest rates of pedestrian deaths per capita
• 72 percent of fatalities occurred at night
• In 2014, pedestrian deaths accounted for 15 percent of all auto related fatalities - up from 11 percent in 2005

What are governments doing to prevent pedestrian accidents?

One bright spot of the report reviews concrete steps state and local governments take to try and curb pedestrian accidents. Some of the measures highlighted include:

• Refuge islands
• Sidewalks and pedestrian overpasses/underpasses
• Optimized traffic signal timing
• New traffic signals where warranted

Washington, DC auto accident attorneys

The Washington, DC auto accident attorneys of The Cochran Firm, DC understand the hardships victims and their families face following a serious accident. Whether someone is hurt as a pedestrian, passenger, or driver, the law gives those hurt by another’s negligence the legal recourse to seek compensation for damages.

If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in an auto accident, whether inside or outside a vehicle, contact The Cochran Firm, DC, for a free consultation about your case. There are absolutely no fees to speak to our attorneys and we do not collect any of our legal fees unless we win your case.

Call us during business hours at 202-682-5800 or at 1-800-THE FIRM (843-3476) to reach us 24 hours a day. You may also fill out an online contact form with the details of your case and we will contact you at your earliest convenience.