A recent study completed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows the increased likelihood of pedestrian fatalities as vehicle speeds increase. The report shows that there is a 10% risk of death at speeds of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph, and 90% at speeds of 58 mph or above.
An important factor that affects the risk of death at varying speeds is age. For example, the study shows that the average risk for severe injury or death for a 70-year-old pedestrian struck at 25 mph is similar to the risk of a 30-year-old struck at 35 mph. While everyone is at risk for severe injury if they are struck by a vehicle, elderly pedestrians and young children are at an increased risk due to their physical vulnerabilities.
Pedestrians need to be extra careful in Florida, especially during times when there are more tourists on the road who may not know the local speed limits. Hopefully the results from this study will be used to improve pedestrian safety techniques. As a pedestrian safety advocate and accident lawyer, I urge pedestrians to exercise caution by always walking on a sidewalk when available, wearing high-visibility clothing, using a crosswalk, and never assuming that a driver will stop for you. If you or loved one is wrongfully hurt in a pedestrian accident, do not hesitate to contact us. You will never pay a fee until we win your case.
