Posted on 03/03/2019 9:41:46 AM PST by ETL
The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roads last year was the highest in 28 years, an increase due in part to driver and walker distraction, alcohol and drug impairment and more SUVs on the road, a safety organization report says.
Using data reported by states for the first half of 2018, the Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that 6,227 pedestrians were killed last year.
That's up 4 percent from 2017 and 35 percent — or more than 1,500 additional deaths — from 2008.
The association says more people are walking to work and they're more distracted by smartphones.
America's massive switch from cars to SUVs and light trucks caused more deaths because the taller SUVs tend to hit pedestrians in the head and upper torso, causing more severe injuries, the report said. ..."
The number of pedestrian deaths involving SUVs rose 50 percent from 2013 to 2017, while passenger-car-related deaths increased by 30 percent, the study found.
The number of walkers killed by passenger cars was still higher in 2017 at 2,279, but SUVs accounted for 1,097 deaths.
Pedestrian deaths had been declining for decades until 2009, when smartphone sales and data use began to spike, Retting said.
While Retting said the correlation between the two needs to be studied more, phone use is one of the only variables that could cause the increase in deaths.
"Cellphone use is one of the few metrics I can find that shows a consistent change, a large scale change, year after year," Retting said.
In about half the fatal crashes, either the driver or the pedestrian was impaired by alcohol, with blood alcohol levels of 0.08 grams per deciliter, the study found.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
“That’s up 4 percent from 2017 and 35 percent — or more than 1,500 additional deaths — from 2008.
The association says more people are walking to work and they’re more distracted by smartphones.”
Smartphones went widespread and in 2010, which is also when traffic deaths began to increase.
I actually saw a kid on his phone walk right into a stop sign.
We are de-evolving.
I saw a smartly dressed businessman here in Manhattan walk right into a pole. Had a gash on his head afterwards.
I did it myself, years ago, long before smartphones, except I was looking at a pretty girl on the other side of the street (seriously).
Those who’ve seen what happens to those who go under the wheels, never get hit by vehicles. Those folks have a tenancy to be very careful.
Again, crosswalks, green lights, stop signs, even sidewalks along the roadway etc, mean nothing, zip, zero in regards to pedestrian safety.
If anyone in the US is 3/5th’s of a person it’s these idiots because they’re just not all there.
Had this problem at the local high school, kids just walking out into traffic. One day the police set up a camera and videoed all the kids messing up traffic and crossing against the green light. The kids thought it was a big joke and even hammed it up more than usual until it was announced all the jaywalkers were identified and had to pay a $25 fine to get their high school diploma at the end of the year.
Guess what? Traffic moves easily now
I have read that the weeded up states are having an epidemic of idiocy,mayhem and death but they are good DNC voters if they make it to the poll.
Until texting and driving becomes an immediate arrest, booking and bail hearing. Along with towing and impound fees, license suspensions, etc.. expect people to keep doing it.
Not surprising - in Jersey now the pedestrians have the right of way - cars are supposed to stop for anyone walking into traffic - so especially in shopping districts people just step out into the street often without looking thinking cars will automatically halt for them - but it just doesn’t work that way all of the time.....
In Massachusetts, the natives also dare you to hit them.
Marvelous! Just ordered it for the grandkid!
*ouch*
emailing videos to their parents might not have been a bad idea either...
...more SUVs on the road...
My God where do they find such idiots?
Yep, pedestrians have the right-away and the graveyards are full of those folks.
That may be true in a sense but by your own tale, some of US are just casual observers. I love watching people do stupid.
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