Some cities are more dangerous than others to go on a walk. Pedestrians face far greater odds of getting hit by a car in those places mainly because of poor road design, speed limits, and local drivers’ mindset.
The nation averages over 5,000 pedestrian deaths a year. These are the ten most dangerous cities to be a pedestrian in in the United States. You may notice that there are several traits these municipalities share like:
- High speed limits
- Poor public transportation options
- Flashing intersections
- Few bike lanes and sidewalks
- High crime rates.
- Orlando, Florida
The city of Orlando has one of the most dangerous roadways in the world. It has very high-speed limits and winding roads. These factors combined led to over 650 deaths in 2019.
The I4 interstate is known for its many accidents and fatalities. Public transport also is of low quality. Many call Orlando the most “unwalkable” city in the state.
- Deltona, Florida
Deltona is a city to the North of Orlando, located within a half hour’s driving distance. The municipality shares many of the same problems with Orlando.
- Palm Bay – Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne’s overall crime rate is relatively high. So, it is no surprise that it is also dangerous to be a pedestrian there too. The city has high-speed limits like the rest of Florida.
There are also flashing yellow intersections. Drivers should yield to pedestrians but often do not. So, it is hard for pedestrians to judge whether it is safe to cross. Too many of them fail to notice speeding motorists headed their way.
- Lakeland, Florida
This city is another city on the I-4 corridor. Many of Lakeland’s roadways have speed limits above 45 miles per hour. Drivers often go 10-15 mph over the limit since they are passing through via I-4.
Some areas have sidewalks that are too close to the road. Curbs in the city are also low to the ground. Many drivers who weren’t paying attention jumped the curb onto the sidewalk.
- Jacksonville, Florida
A sizable part of the population in Jacksonville walks to work. But there are very few bike paths, and the sidewalks are not great either. Crossing the street can be a challenge in Jacksonville.
- Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a disadvantaged area with poor-quality public transportation. Many people walk to work to make ends meet. The oil refineries located nearby affect the visibility for drivers. These factors contribute to many deaths among pedestrians every year.
- Tampa Bay – Clearwater, Florida
The roads of Tampa also have higher-than-average speed limits. There are many tourists on the street who are unfamiliar with the area. Officials are striving to improve their city’s reputation, but they are moving awfully slow. Some of the measures are as simple as repainting crosswalks to make them easier for drivers to see.
- Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is another city connected to a major interstate. The I-55 has a speed limit of 65 miles per hour. Many drivers continue into the city, speeding even in areas with low-speed limits. Part of the problem is many drivers look at their phones and play loud music while behind the wheel.
- Memphis, Tennessee
The public transport system of Memphis is much slower than driving. A 15-minute trip can easily take 90 minutes on public transit. That is why many people walk to work instead, which ups the risk of accidents.
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is one of the most dangerous cities in the US overall. Drivers there tend to have a complete disregard for traffic laws. Speed limits are also relatively high compared to the rest of the state. Louisiana has one of the lowest incomes per capita, too. These factors combine to make Baton Rouge a perilous city to walk in.
Closing Thoughts
Every year thousands of pedestrians die from getting hit by cars. Florida alone had over 500 deaths a year. Florida is home to many of the dangerous cities on our list.
Working from home may be a safer option if you live in one of the cities on this list. If remote working is no option and a vehicle strikes you or a loved one, consider talking to a pedestrian accident attorney, even before being contacted by an insurance company rep. If your injuries are bad enough, you might be entitled to tens of thousands of dollars in compensation, a sum insurers will go to great lengths to avoid paying.
About the Author:Â
With a law degree under his belt and years of experience, Mark Scott set off to make the law more accessible to all. He decided to help people lost in the maze of legal terminology to find their way. Mark writes clear and concise pieces and gives simple advice that is easy to follow. On account of positive feedback from readers, he decided to dedicate more of his time to this goal and became a legal columnist. In his writings, Mark covers a wide array of topics, like how to seek legal counsel, or how to deal with different procedures. Furthermore, he directs his readers toward other trustworthy resources for more in-depth information.
