Seattle has been ranked one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the nation, and with good reason. Seattle has the 9th lowest rate of pedestrian fatalities among big cities (with populations of 500,000 or greater) in the entirety of the United States. This information was compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Let’s celebrate Seattle’s walkability! We can continue to keep Seattle walker-friendly by following these 10 basic pedestrian safety tips.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Injuries in 2013
In the year 2013, the NHTSA reported that there were 4,735 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes and an additional 66,000 pedestrians injured in the United States. The NHTSA further states that one pedestrian was killed every two hours, and one pedestrian was injured every eight minutes in 2013. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 14 percent of total traffic fatalities in 2013.
Pedestrian accidents were much more frequent in urban areas than they were in rural areas: 73 percent of accidents occurred in urban areas. Accidents were also more frequent at night, with 72 percent of pedestrian accidents occurring after daylight hours in 2013.
Rate of Pedestrians Killed Per Large City in 2013
The city with the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in 2013, per 100,000 population, was Detroit, Michigan, with a rate of 6.10 and a total of 42 pedestrian fatalities.
An excerpt of the list in abbreviated order is as follows.
- Jacksonville, Florida: 3.92
- Memphis, Tennessee: 3.83
- Phoenix, Arizona: 3.44
In Seattle, the rate of pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population was 1.69. There were 30 total traffic fatalities in Seattle in 2013, with 11 total pedestrian fatalities. As such, pedestrian fatalities account for 36.7 percent of total traffic fatalities in the city for the year 2013.
The other large cities with low rates of pedestrian fatalities were Columbus, Ohio, with 21.2 percent and Chicago with only 20.6 percent. One should take into account the weather when considering these numbers. It is logical to assume that more people walk year-round in Seattle than in other cold weather states.
Stay Alert and Walk Safely
Being hit by a car can cause serious, life-long injuries or death. When walking or biking in Seattle, it’s important to exercise caution and always be on the alert. You can read more about safe walking tips on our pedestrian accident blog.
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Seattle, an attorney can help you to recover the damages that you need to pay for your medical expenses and economic and noneconomic losses. At Max Meyers Law PLLC, our attorneys are ready to get to work on your claim today. Call us now to learn more about pedestrian accidents and legal representation at 425-399-7000 today.
