Be extra vigilant when crossing the street in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC). This is the sentiment expressed by a recent report from Transportation for America which listed Raleigh as one the 10 most dangerous cities for pedestrians.
Pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people are 1.95 in North Carolina while the national average is 1.26.
The report reveals that over 75,000 people have been killed in pedestrian street crossing accidents. Close to 4,000 children under the age of 16 were killed just in the past 10 years.
The report, entitled Dangerous by Design, also found “minority and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted.” For example, African-American and Hispanic American fatality rates (3.01 and 2.88, respectively) are close to double the national rate for all people (1.53).
Senior citizens are also at a high risk. This could be another reason why Raleigh made the top-10 list since the projected rate of growth for individuals 65 and older in the area is 124 percent.
Officials in Raleigh, and across the country, should use this report as a rallying cry for better education and awareness regarding pedestrian crossing accidents. The National Highway Safety Administration has pedestrian safety programs which should be promoted at schools, senior care facilities, and community centers.
About the Editors: Shapiro & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.
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