Risk of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents is Twice as High in Louisiana
Risk of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents is Twice as High in Louisiana
The risk of a fatal accident for a pedestrian in Louisiana is almost double the national average, according to a new report from the Center for Planning Excellence.
The report also revealed that Louisiana’s pedestrian fatality rate is the nation’s third-highest. Baton Rouge is the 19th-worst metropolitan area in terms of pedestrian safety, while New Orleans was ranked 38th.
The report is based on data from 2005 to 2014 on pedestrian safety in all 50 states and many large cities. Data was gathered by Smart Growth America.
The report also revealed that Louisiana was first in the nation for racial disparity in pedestrian deaths. Researchers found that 85 percent of pedestrian deaths involved people of color, despite the fact that people of color make up only 39 percent of the state’s population.
Pedestrians of color are over nine times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than a white pedestrian in Louisiana.
These rankings are alarming to metropolitan planning agencies throughout the state. Limited funding has stunted their efforts to add or widen sidewalks and add more bike paths. These measures have been shown to reduce pedestrian deaths, according to experts.
One of the problems in Baton Rouge is that many of the streets were built decades before the development code included higher safety standards. These roads are narrow and have ditches alongside them, making them much more difficult for pedestrians to traverse.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian versus automobile accident, the car accident attorneys of Simien & Simien may be able to obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation and do not charge legal fees unless your claim has a favorable result, either through a settlement or jury verdict.
Call (800) 374-8422 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.
