Pedestrian Accidents Increasing in Philadelphia
Between 2009 and 2020, pedestrian accidents increased by more than 59%. In 2020, nearly 7,000 pedestrians died while crossing the street, which accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities that year. If you or your loved one were the pedestrian in an accident in Philadelphia, speaking with an Allentown personal injury lawyer could help you protect your rights and obtain payment for your medical bills and other expenses related to the accident.Pedestrian Accidents on the Rise
Although both pedestrian and vehicular traffic dropped during the shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, when analysts compared crash rates to miles driven, they found that the accident rate increased by 21% compared to 2019, which was the largest increase ever recorded in fatal crashes. Most accidents occurred between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am and in non-crosswalk areas.Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Trending Upward
Law enforcement and transportation safety officials have several explanations for the increase in pedestrian fatalities. When the roads emptied during the COVID-19 pandemic, the drivers who were on them frequently drove well above the speed limit. The increased speed caused more severe injuries and a higher risk of death upon impact with a pedestrian. Philadelphia's Driving Equity bill stops police officers from pulling over drivers for minor offenses. The city's police force also has a no pursuit policy for traffic violations. Sociologists postulate that a change in social attitude may also be contributing to the upward trend in pedestrian accidents. More selfish behavior on the road, increased anger, and a lack of interpersonal contact or connection with others results in more dangerous driving behaviors. Hit-and-run accidents are also on the rise, which advances the theory of a lack of social responsibility and connectedness to one's community as some of the reasons for aggressive driving.Philadelphia's Most Dangerous Roadway for Pedestrians

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