Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians in Florida, California
Warmer climates with year-round outdoor activities top the list.
Aug. 18, 2011— -- Walkers and bikers, stay alert when getting some sun in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla., for they have just been named some of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in the nation.
A pedestrian is hit by a car or truck every seven minutes, resulting in over 47,700 deaths and 688,000 injuries between 2000 and 2009, according to a study released by Transportation for America.
"The majority of these deaths share a common thread: they occurred along 'arterial' roadways that were dangerous by design, streets engineered for speeding traffic with little or no provision for people on foot, in wheelchairs or on bicycles," the group said in its report.
Nationwide, pedestrians account for more than 12 percent of total deaths in traffic accidents, and in 15 of the country's largest cities, fatalities have actually increased as deaths of people inside of the car during an accident have fallen over the same period.
The report by Transportation for America found that roadways in Florida and California -- among other states -- have some of the most dangerous streets, many of which are engineered for speeding traffic. Many of the roads simply don't account for the rising number of people walking to work or walking along busy streets for exercise.
Transportation for America, a non-profit that works for transportation reform, used census data to highlight the cities with the highest risks for pedestrians. It urges states to spend more money to improve on infrastructure and focus more on safety.
The Worst Cities for Pedestrians
1. Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida
2. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida
3. Jacksonville, Florida
4. Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano, Florida
5. Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario, California
6. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada
7. Memphis, Tennessee
8. Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Arizona
9. Houston/Sugar Land/Baytown, Texas
10. Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas
