DETROIT – A new report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show Detroit with the highest city rate of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S.
Detroit had the highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population (6.79), followed by Dallas (4.31), Memphis (4.27), and Jacksonville (4.15).
Boston had the lowest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population (0.75), followed by Fresno (0.96) and Seattle (1.02).
The report shows that Detroit had 130 total traffic fatalities in 2015 - 46 of those were pedestrian.
Alcohol involvement—for the driver and/or the pedestrian—was reported in 48 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2015. Alcohol involvement is defined as whether alcohol was consumed by the driver and/or the pedestrian prior to the crash; the presence of alcohol may or may not be a contributing factor in the crash.
In 2015 there were 5,376 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 9.5 percent increase from the 4,910 pedestrian fatalities in 2014. This is the highest number of pedestrians killed annually since 1996.
Important Safety Reminders
For Pedestrians: ■ Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available. ■ If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic Stay alert; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including smart phones, MP3 players, and other devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road. ■ Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you (he or she could be distracted, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or just not see you). Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. ■ Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians. ■ If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross. ■ Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. ■ Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your judgment and coordination.
For Drivers: ■ Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may not be walking where they should be or may be hard to see— especially in poor lit conditions, including dusk/dawn/night and poor weather. ■ Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted. ■ Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street. ■ Slowdown and look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. ■ Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. ■ Follow the speed limit; slow down around pedestrians. ■ Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, like school zones and neighborhoods. — NHTSA’s Safety Countermeasures Division
You can find the full report below.