Tragic Pedestrian Crash Kills One in the Florida Keys
KEY LARGO, FL- The miamiherald.com writes that a man from North Carolina died in a tragic crash on US 1 late last week when a car struck him as he was walking across the highway. Police stated that a 2014 Toyota Prius collided with the 70-year-old man as he stepped off the median, The driver, a woman from Indiana, and her passengers were unharmed in the incident.*
There are no charges currently pending against the motorist, and police stated that they do not believe that alcohol was a factor in the incident. The crash took place at night and visibility may have been a factor. Responders shut the southbound lane while they worked to investigate the accident.
Florida has more fatal pedestrian crashes than any other state in the nation. Pedestrian crashes are increasing in many places, but Florida continues to present more risks to foot traffic than anywhere else. Many feel that the number of fatal pedestrian incidents around the country is likely the result of SUVs and smartphones. Large cars present the risk of more lethal injuries to pedestrians, and everyone, pedestrians and drivers alike, seems to be distracted by modern electronics. While the main issues driving the pedestrian crisis are factors that impact all states, Florida clearly is presenting some elevated risks of its own.
Road design in Florida is likely a major part of the problem. The burgeoning population led to high-speed roads with many wide lanes that are perfect for fast-moving cars and treacherous to people walking across or near the road. While the weather might make people more inclined to walk, the roads in Florida continue to be dangerous places for pedestrians.
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Sources:https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article239912568.html and https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/01/23/florida-pedestrian-deaths/