After four years of decline, pedestrian deaths increased in 2009, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
More pedestrians were killed by cars in 2009, according to data, which was based on U.S. fatalities in the first six months of 2010. While only a 0.4 percent increase, the increase in pedestrian deaths is a concern among highway safety offices.
Figuring out why pedestrian deaths are on the increase is another issue. One theory to the increase blames distractions such as electronic devices - iPods, cell phones - being used by both pedestrians and drivers.
"More people are walking while listening to music and talking and texting on cell phones, the report speculates. 'They are not paying attention and they are getting clobbered,'" according to news reports .
According to the report, school-age children pedestrian deaths are decreasing, while baby boomer deaths, between 45-and 64-years-old, are increasing.
The report aims to make pedestrian safety a top priority, with better crosswalks, sidewalks and overpasses, and improving the lighting at night, according to news reports.
As a North Charleston personal injury lawyer , I'm surprised to see the number of pedestrian deaths increase because it seems like something that should be avoidable. I hope this report helps increase safety for pedestrians to reduce the death rate. I urge pedestrians to always look both ways when crossing the street and if you're wearing headphones to turn down the volume enough to hear traffic noise.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a personal injury lawyer in North Charleston .