The United States is seeing a higher rate of pedestrian deaths than it has in four decades. While walking is a good form of exercise and a more environmentally sustainable to get around short distances than taking a vehicle, statistics like this can deter people from engaging in this activity. What causes an increase in pedestrian fatalities in Ohio as well as other states?
More traffic
There is more traffic than ever these days, and communities and cities sometimes struggle to expand their infrastructure to accommodate the increase in the number of cars on the road. As traffic increases, drivers tend to pay more attention to the other motor vehicles around them than to pedestrians or cyclists.
Higher incidences of reckless driving
There is also a correlation between reckless driving and pedestrian fatalities. A vehicle going over the speed limit, for example, is not only less able to stop in time to prevent striking someone but will likely cause more damage than a vehicle that is going slower.
Greater numbers of larger vehicles
There has been an increase in the number of sport utility vehicles on the road over the past few decades. These are larger vehicles that are more likely to cause greater harm to a pedestrian due to their size alone. Although there are many factors involved, SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans have the potential to cause more damage to pedestrians than smaller vehicles. When people are aware of the things that can cause an increase in pedestrian fatalities, they can make better decisions as both drivers and pedestrians.
