Pedestrian deaths are on the rise across the United States. This upward trend is attributed to increase in distracted driving.
Across the United States traffic related deaths of all kinds is on the rise with pedestrian deaths rising faster than the rest.
Although national statistics for the year 2016 is yet to be compiled, several sample data from four of the big states that had the most pedestrian deaths from 2015 were studied.
With the recent economic improvement, people are driving more equating to more pedestrians getting hit by vehicles. Another factor in this equation is the number of distracted drivers and pedestrians.
Kenneth Kolosh statistics manager at National Safety Council states that texting and other smartphone apps takes focus away from the road. Even talking on the phone with a hands-free set up can cause distraction.
Chris Cochran, spokesman for the California Office of Traffic Safety states that more people are distracted with mobile technology. Speeding is also seen as one of the factors contributing to the increase in pedestrian deaths.
He also stated that people are walking, jogging and running more miles for health and recreational purpose and just for getting around as reported in Post Bulletin.
Federal agencies and the National Security Council announced a national campaign which aims to eliminate traffic related deaths. Electronic device developers are encouraged to design products that limits the time a driver has to gaze at the device and getting the focus back on the road faster.
State Patrol has also given measures to ensure safety of the pedestrians. Drivers must treat each corner as a crosswalk and stop for pedestrians crossing at crosswalks and corners whether these are marked or unmarked.
Pedestrians are also advised to cross at a marked crosswalk, corner or when a traffic light is present and to never walk down an interstate or cross in the middle of a road as reported by Fox9.
