Local. Experienced. Millions Recovered.

Pedestrian deaths show the need for improved safety

On Behalf of | Jan 27, 2025 | Wrongful Death |

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, or GHSA, pedestrian fatalities have been an epidemic on the nation’s roads over the past couple of decades.

Even with many safety improvements, the overall trend in the number of pedestrian deaths has been upward.  Pedestrian fatalities have also been steadily increasing as a percentage of overall traffic deaths in the United States.

The good news is that the number of 2023 fatalities, at least in a preliminary count, dropped from 7,737 in 2022 to 7,318 in 2023. However, these numbers are still significantly higher than in 2019, when there were 6,412 pedestrian fatalities.

As additional good news, media outlets are reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s figures are grounds for optimism that these numbers will continue to improve in 2024.

Unfortunately, Illinois did not reap the benefits of the nationwide trend in 2023. The GHSA predicts 205 pedestrian deaths in 2023 and recorded 197 deaths in 2022. This is an increase in 8 deaths, or 4.1 percent.

The number show that public officials and others should continue to focus on keeping pedestrians safe. However, even with better roads, improved law enforcement and more public awareness, ultimately the best people to protect pedestrians are the motorists on Illinois’ roads.

Families of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents may have legal options

Drivers always need to pay attention to the road and follow the traffic laws, but especially when they are in areas where there might be pedestrians.

They also need to use extra caution, as pedestrians are frequently going to suffer serious injuries when a vehicle collides with them.

Families in Adams County who have lost a loved one because of a pedestrian accident may have legal options if a negligent driver caused the accident.

Archives

RSS Feed