A street race turned deadly last month in Tampa after 24 year old Jessica Reisinger was killed, and her 21 month old daughter critically injured, while walking on Bayshore Blvd. Police arrested 18 year old Cameron Coyle Herrin, 20 year old Tristan Christopher Herrin and 17 year old John Alexander Barrineau for the accident. All 3 were charged with street racing, vehicular homicide, and reckless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Often Deadly
Sadly, this accident is just one of many pedestrian fatalities caused by reckless and inattentive drivers. Pedestrian deaths account for 16% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, and this number is on the rise. In fact, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5,987 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2016, which is represents a 46% increase in fatalities since 2009 and the highest number of recorded pedestrian fatalities
in a single year since 1990. In the state of Florida, pedestrian accident fatalities accounted for 20% of total traffic fatalities in 2016.
Reasons for Pedestrian Accident Fatalities
A Governors Highway Traffic Association report cited numerous reasons why pedestrian accidents are on the rise, with the top 3 being:
- Smartphone Use – The report highlighted a correlation between pedestrian accident fatalities and an increase in smartphone usage. Motorists who text and drive, or who operate a handheld smartphone while driving, often don’t see pedestrians and small children in the road, which can result in devestating – and sometimes even fatal – accidents.
- Legalized Pot –Driving under the influence of drugs is another reason pedestrian accident fatalities are on the rise, especially in states that have legalized pot. Stoned drivers and pedestrians alike often experience a delayed reaction time and may find it difficult to properly interpret road signs or the dangers around them.
- Drunk Driving –Alcohol use has been a factor in pedestrian accident fatalities for decades.In fact, 48% of all fatal pedestrian crashes involved alcohol. Surprisingly, however, drunk pedestrians were responsible for the majority of those accidents. 33% of all fatal pedestrian crashes involved a pedestrian with a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher, while only 13% involved a drunk driver with a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher.
Pedestrian Accidents Often Cause Horrific Injuries
Pedestrians can suffer horrific injuries, even at low speed accidents, which can result in a lifetime of pain and suffering, as well as long-term disability. The most common injuries sustained include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in Florida?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Florida, one of the first steps you need to take is to call the personal injury lawyers of Zimmet & Zimmet. We have the resources and experience required to help you put your life back together after a pedestrian accident. Contact us today at (386) 255-6400 for a free initial consultation and review of your case.
