Tampa, Sarasota, and Lakeland have been ranked among the deadliest metro areas for pedestrians in the nation, according to a recent study by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The study found that Florida is the fifth deadliest state in the country for pedestrians, with the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, and Lakeland-Winter Haven areas ranking eighth, 15th, and 21st, respectively, in terms of pedestrian fatality rates.

Pedestrian Safety Hazards

The study argues that roads are ‘dangerous by design’ and prioritize vehicle speed and convenience over pedestrian safety. According to Heidi Simon of Smart Growth America, ‘what that means is that you have wide roads with many lanes and few crossings in between, poor visibility, incomplete lighting or sidewalk networks — forcing people to walk in unsafe conditions.’ The report analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Transportation and found that people ages 50 to 64 make up the highest number of pedestrian fatality victims, and that more than half of all pedestrian fatalities occur on state-owned roads, with urban areas being the deadliest places for people walking.

Local Perspective

Tampa resident Cole Johnson, who walks everywhere in the city and also drives Bay Area streets, told FOX 13 that he has almost been hit by a car and has almost hit pedestrians himself. Johnson acknowledged the shared safety responsibility on the roads, saying ‘a lot of times people are crossing when they’re not supposed to. But again, living in Tampa, you should be aware that you’re driving in a city that’s busy, and it’s on the driver as well to keep their eyes out.’ The study’s findings highlight the need for improved pedestrian safety measures in the Bay Area, including more frequent stoppings and crosswalks, as well as improved visibility to reduce the risk of pedestrian fatalities.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.