(Omaha) New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals a concerning trend in pedestrian fatalities in the United States.
Brian Ortner, Public Affairs Specialist for the Iowa/Nebraska AAA, says that after reaching a historic low in 2009, pedestrian deaths have risen by over 80% in the past 15 years. He states that almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths has occurred after dark on urban arterial roads.
Ortner says the problem is not easily solved by simply urging drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other,” says Brian Ortner, AAA spokesperson for Nebraska and Iowa.
Ortner says that to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce fatalities, AAA suggests several key steps: One is to follow the data—let it be the guide—and invest in the areas and solutions that will make the biggest impact. That means targeting unsafe locations outside downtown areas, often in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
State and local governments can work more closely to invest resources to save lives where needed most, regardless of who owns that roadway, and demand a Safer System: A Safe System approach anticipates human mistakes and reduces crash severity by addressing safety holistically through safer roads, vehicles, speeds, and road users.
Ortner says drivers can do their part by driving cautiously at night and not relying on a pedestrian detection system to prevent a crash. They can also minimize risky driving behaviors such as speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted, or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol. These behaviors significantly increase the risk of a collision. Remember to stay alert! Follow speed limits, keep your smartphone out of reach, and only drive when sober.
Ortner says Pedestrians should wear brightly colored or reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas. They should also use sidewalks and crosswalks as often as possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. Always obey traffic signals, look both ways before crossing the street, and do not walk and text.
