Statistics provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) show that the number of traffic crashes and pedestrian fatalities has increased significantly in 2021 when compared to 2020 and 2019. Based on these increases, Florida has been rated as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians.
In 2021, FLHSMV reported 3,405 crash related fatalities which is 9.0% above the 3,098 reported in 2020. FLHSMV reported a 5.0% increase in 2020 and 1.2% increase in 2019.
Federal data from the department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate traffic deaths began to increase in 2019. NHTSA has blamed reckless driving behavior for increases during the pandemic, citing behavioral research showing that speeding and traveling without a seat belt have been higher. Before 2019, the number of fatalities had fallen for three straight years.
Ironically, while the rate of fatalities has increased in Florida, the number of crashes since 2018 has actually declined. This is consistent with national trends, the latest NHTSA crash data shows that crashes have become more deadly.
Another alarming trend is the increase in pedestrian fatalities.
The FLHSMV reported 838 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, a 17.2% increase when compared to 2020. Before the increase in 2021, the number of pedestrian fatalities was relatively flat, averaging approximately 725 deaths per year.
A report published by the insurance industry concluded that Florida ranked as the second most dangerous state for pedestrians with a death rate of 1.43 which is 75.7% higher than the national pedestrian death rate and 114% higher than the national median.
A report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that the fact more people are buying larger vehicles is related to the increase in pedestrian deaths. The study notes that vans, SUVs, and pickups are 45%, 61%, and 80% more likely than smaller cars to hit pedestrians walking across the road.
Researchers are focused on design issues related to the line of sight when SUV drivers make turns. Statistics indicate that when SUVs are turning they are twice as likely as cars to kill a pedestrian. Also, right turns with pickup trucks are 89% more likely to kill a pedestrian, vans, and minivans are three times as likely.
What are the solutions? The recent Florida legislative session did not address the issue, however, some local officials are taking action.
Faced with 80 traffic deaths in 2021, a 50% annual increase, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is launching a new initiative to address the issue. The initiative will begin by collecting and analyzing crash data and identifying trends and then work a task force to come up with and implement solutions.
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Steve Stewart is a senior contributor at The Florida Capital Star. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Wrecked Vehicle” by NettoFigueiredo.
