Pedestrian and cyclist safety has become an increasingly urgent issue across the United States as populations grow in once lower populated areas and people choose alternate forms of transportation. As roadways become more congested and distracted driving more prevalent, vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and cyclists, face greater risk of catastrophic injuries. At RTRLAW, our pedestrian accident attorneys committed to educating the public and advocating for those injured due to driver negligence.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver inattention or distraction is a main contributing factor in a significant percentage of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. Common distractions include:

  • Texting or using a smartphone
  • Adjusting GPS or radio settings
  • Eating or drinking while driving
  • Talking to passengers
  • Daydreaming or fatigue

When drivers fail to give their full attention to the road, they are less likely to see pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists traveling in bike lanes, especially in urban areas with high foot and bike traffic. Other common causes include:

  • Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks
  • Speeding in residential or congested areas
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Improper turns, particularly left-hand turns across oncoming traffic

Many of these accidents occur at night or during early morning hours when visibility is reduced. Poor road design, inadequate lighting, and the absence of sidewalks or bike lanes can further increase risk.

What Type of Vehicle Kills the Most Pedestrians?

While any vehicle can cause a fatal crash, SUVs and light trucks are disproportionately responsible for pedestrian fatalities. According to a 2023 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), SUVs are more likely than sedans to cause severe or fatal injuries to pedestrians due to their higher front-end profile and increased weight.

Other reasons why SUVs and trucks are particularly dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists include:

  • Higher point of impact: Instead of hitting a pedestrian’s legs, these vehicles strike the torso or head.
  • Reduced visibility: Larger vehicles have more blind spots, particularly in front and along the sides.
  • Longer braking distance: Heavier vehicles take more time to stop, and this increases the likelihood of impact at higher speeds.

Cyclists are similarly at greater risk from these vehicles, especially during right-hand turns, where drivers may not check their blind spots or underestimate the speed of an approaching cyclist.

Which State Has the Most Dangerous Roads for Pedestrians and Cyclists?

Unfortunately, Florida holds the dubious distinction of being one of the deadliest states in the U.S. for pedestrians and cyclists. According to the “Dangerous by Design 2024” report by Smart Growth America, 9 of the top 20 most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians are located in Florida.

Key Statistics:

  • Florida had 899 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, second only to California in exact numbers but significantly higher in terms of per capita deaths.
  • The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area ranks among the top 5 most dangerous for pedestrians nationwide.
  • Bicycle deaths in Florida rose 18% between 2020 and 2022, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

The high fatality rate is attributed to a combination of wide roads designed for speed, inadequate infrastructure for non-motorized users, and a growing population in suburban areas where pedestrian facilities may be lacking.

How to Protect Yourself as a Pedestrian or Cyclist

Even though motorists are often at fault in pedestrian and cyclist accidents, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your own risk and stay visible on the road. Staying alert and following basic safety measures can greatly increase your chances of avoiding injury.

Always try to:

  • Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night
  • Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals
  • Equip bicycles with lights and reflectors
  • Avoid distractions like headphones or texting while walking or riding
  • Always assume drivers may not see you; even in a crosswalk

While these precautions can’t eliminate every danger, they can help you stay safer and more aware in high-risk situations. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a negligent driver, in Florida or Texas, RTRLAW is here to help you pursue justice and compensation.

How RTRLAW Can Help Pedestrians and Cyclists Who’ve Been Injured Due to Negligent Drivers

At RTRLAW, we’ve been fighting for injury victims since 1988 and understand how devastating these incidents can be. Our experienced pedestrian injury lawyers will help you:

  • Determine liability and investigate the cause of the accident
  • File insurance claims and pursue fair compensation
  • Recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis; you don’t pay unless we win your case. Call 1-833-HIRE-RTR today to schedule your free consultation.