Traveling by foot is not only the least expensive form of transportation but it also provides us with leisure and exercise. Billions of people walk the streets each day assuming their being perfectly safe; however, many U.S. roads are designed purely for convenience as opposed to the safety of pedestrians. With over 47,000 deaths and 676,000 plus injuries in the past ten years, it is important that we assess which U.S. states leave pedestrians the most vulnerable. Compiled is a list of the top 10 most dangerous U.S. States for pedestrians:
10. Texas has a pedestrian danger index (PDI) of 97.5 with a total of 4,192 pedestrian fatalities in a ten year period. The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown metropolitan area received a ranking of seventh on the most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians.
9. North Carolina has a pedestrian danger index of 99.8 with a total of 1,683 pedestrian fatalities in a ten year period. The Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord area is ranked tenth for the most dangerous metropolitan areas.
8. Arizona has a total of 1,434 pedestrian fatalities with a pedestrian danger index of 101.2. A large portion of those Arizona pedestrian fatalities occurred in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area.
7. Mississippi has a pedestrian danger index of 102.6 with a total of 527 pedestrian fatalities.
6. Delaware has a pedestrian danger index of 103.6 with a total of 194 pedestrian fatalities and 2.22 annual pedestrian deaths each year per 100,000 people.
5. Georgia had a total of 1,564 pedestrian fatalities with a pedestrian danger index of 104.
4. South Carolina has a pedestrian danger index of 110.4 with 1,020 total pedestrian fatalities.
3. Louisiana has a pedestrian danger index of 116.6 with 1,030 total pedestrian deaths.
2. Alabama had a total of 723 pedestrian fatalities with a pedestrian danger index of 125.2.
1. Florida is not only ranked as the most dangerous state for pedestrians but the Metro Orlando area ranks at number one for the most dangerous metropolitan area to walk in as well. Florida has a pedestrian danger index of 168.6 with a total of 5,189 pedestrian fatalities.
Although choosing to travel by foot is the most convenient and enjoyable form of transportation, it is important to realize the increased risks you take on while walking on the streets. Many cities ignore the importance of designing for the safety of pedestrians so the safety factor becomes your responsibility.
Mike Leonard Insurance Agency has been providing Carrollton, Texas residents with a sense of security since 1982. Contact the insurance experts today and make sure your auto insurance coverage would protect you in a pedestrian related traffic accident.