Pennsylvania Pedestrian Accidents Have Trended Upward, But Not as High as National Average
April 12, 2022
While the number of pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania has increased, the increase is not as high as the national average. According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Pennsylvania pedestrian accidents increased six percent from 2020 to 2021, whereas the total has gone up by 20% throughout the United States. Though PA was below the national average and has since hit its pre-pandemic numbers, these statistics are still startling. Here’s everything you need to know about what the GHSA found.
GHSA Findings
During the first half of 2021, 3,441 pedestrians were struck or killed by a motor vehicle throughout the United States – a 17% increase from 2020. Both Vermont and Maine experienced a 200% increase in fatal pedestrian accidents, making them the two states that saw the highest increase. Experts were hoping that the increase in pedestrian accidents would trend backward. According to Pam Shadel Fischer, the GHSA’s Senior Director of External Engagement, “the problem is that pedestrian accidents have been increasing for the past decade. It’s not like it hasn’t been on the rise, but the fact that we’re continuing to see the numbers go up is just really concerning to us.”
Pedestrian Accident Trends
The GHSA first started recording data about pedestrian accidents back in 2013 and ever since, the numbers seem to have continually risen. Since the reporting began, pedestrian accident deaths have jumped by 73 percent. Per Shadel Fischer, [a] 73% increase is just absolutely crazy.”
Pennsylvania Has Taken Proactive Action
However, as Shadel Fischer said, Pennsylvania seemed to break the trend. In 2019, 77 people died of pedestrian accidents, but as of 2021, that number has dropped to 68. Much of this decrease has to do with the actions Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has taken over the past few years in an effort to curb pedestrian accidents and subsequent fatalities. Back in 2019, the city installed speed humps in 70 different locations, including traffic circles and expanded crosswalks.
According to Shadel Fischer, more work still needs to be done. “So much of what happens out there is a behavioral component,” she said. “We’ve got to change the culture in this country so that people don’t fear for their lives if they want to go outside and take a walk.” These measures would ideally include more ways to reduce speed such as introducing more traffic circles and ensuring that each street has a designated sidewalk.
Contact A Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case In Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. represent clients injured because of pedestrian accidents in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Western PA counties. Call (412) 766-1455 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3634 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Home visits can be arranged in certain situations.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
