Pedestrian accidents on the rise in Tampa

Last month, a Tampa man was walking on the sidewalk of East Hillsborough Avenue around 11 PM, when he stepped onto the road and was hit by a car. The man died at a local hospital. The crash was not a hit-an-run and everyone involve stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. This tragic pedestrian fatality reminds us of the dangers of walking along streets, especially at night.

Nationwide, pedestrian deaths have jumped 46% since reaching their lowest point in 2009, as pedestrian crashes have become both deadlier and more frequent. The increase has been mostly in urban or suburban areas, at non-intersections, on arterials — busy roads designed mainly to funnel vehicle traffic toward freeways — and in the dark, a new Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study shows.

From 2009 to 2016, pedestrian deaths increased by a whopping 56% after dark. Besides the obvious poorer visibility at night, other contributing factors include pedestrians wearing dark clothing, ignoring crosswalks, driver distraction and statistically higher levels of impairment for both pedestrians and drivers after the sun goes down.

Nighttime safety tips for pedestrians

• Avoid roads without sidewalks or limited visibility.
• Wear bright and reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.
• Use designated crosswalks and wait for signals.
• Remain vigilant and don’t be buried in distractions, such as phones or music.

Nighttime safety tips for drivers

• Remain vigilant and don’t be buried in distractions, such as phones or music.
• Don’t speed through a residential area.
• Don’t roll through a stop sign.
• Make eye contact with pedestrians at intersections to let them know they are visible.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tampa pedestrian or bicycle accident, make sure you notify the authorities, gather evidence, seek medical attention right away, and research your legal options. An experienced Tampa personal injury lawyer from the personal injury law firm of Darrigo & Diaz can help protect your rights.

We have been serving clients throughout the Tampa Bay area since 1999. Led by Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, Nadine Diaz, our firm is recognized as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. We specialize in traumatic brain injuries, auto accidents, slip and fall injuries, products liability, premises liability, and all other types of personal injury accidents.

Call 813-774-3341 today to schedule a free case evaluation with our highly-experienced, highly-praised team.