Recent Pedestrian Injuries Underscore Dangers of Roadways
Phoenix, Ariz., January 30, 2008 – Recent motor vehicle crashes, including this morning’s hit-and-run accident, have resulted in severely injured pedestrians and bicyclists this week and shed light on an unfortunate reality of Arizona roadways – the number of pedestrians and bicyclists who are killed and injured in Arizona and across the country each year.
Pedestrian fatalities account for nearly 14 percent of all roadway fatalities in Arizona. In fact, 164 pedestrians were killed and 1,472 were injured across the state in 2005. Additionally, there were 2,016 pedacycle crashes in Arizona in 2006, resulting in 35 fatalities and 1,768 injuries. Nationwide, 4,784 pedestrians were killed and 61,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2006, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The agency also revealed that Arizona ranks sixth in the nation for pedestrian fatalities.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run crashes claimed the lives of 1,557 pedestrian’s nationwide in 2003. The Foundation also reports that approximately 11 percent of all police reported crashes involve a hit-and-run driver.
“This is a very real problem facing our state and country,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Manager Linda Gorman. “The number of pedestrians and bicyclists injured and killed on our roadways is very tragic and eye-opening.”
To raise awareness about the dangers of Arizona roadways, AAA Arizona would like to offer the following safety tips to motorists and pedestrians:
Motorists:
- Be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians. You can also help them be aware of you by signaling your intentions.
- Always stop behind the marked stop line or crosswalk. Keep your wheels straight and your foot on the brake while you wait for the signal to change.
- Obey traffic signals. A yellow light means prepare to stop, not "go faster". Also, once a traffic light turns green, take an extra second to look for pedestrians and other vehicles who may be trying to get through the crosswalk or intersection at the last minute.
- Concentrate! Safe driving takes concentration. Avoid all distractions when you are behind the wheel to ensure that 100 percent of your focus is on driving.
Pedestrians:
- Look both ways before crossing a street or intersection. Remember to look left, right and then left again before crossing a roadway.
- Cross streets at intersections when possible. Walking a little farther to get to a crosswalk is much safer than crossing in the middle of the street.
- Obey signs and signals at intersections. Pedestrian signals at intersections are for your crossing protection. Following the "WALK/DON'T WALK" signs will help you cross safely.
- Walk defensively. Be ready for unexpected events. Do not assume you are safe to cross if a vehicle appears to be slowing down or stopping. Wait until vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing the street. Be on the look out for motorists who run stop signs and red lights. Also, be sure to walk with the flow of traffic, not against it.
Bicyclists:
- Follow lane markings. Do not turn left from the right lane. Do not ride forward in a "right-turn only" lane. In cross walks, always walk your bike across the street.
- Never ride against traffic. Motorists are not looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.
- Communicate with drivers. Making eye contact and using hand signals will tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Never assume that a driver sees you until you are sure that they do.
- Be safe! Always wear a helmet and refrain from wearing headphones or other devices that will take your attention away from the road. Also, wear bright colored clothing and use a white headlight and a rear reflector or taillight when riding at night.
“Responsible motorists and pedestrians not only reduce their risk of becoming a statistic, but they also create a safer traffic mix for everyone,” said Gorman.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 775,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
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