The pedestrian death rate in Arizona is nearly double the fatality rate of the rest of the country. According to a recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Arizona’s male pedestrian fatality rate is 6.0 deaths per 100,000 males, and the female fatality rate stands at 2.6. Although these rates may appear low, they are actually double the national average. The national average for men is 3.2, while for women it remains steady at 1.3.
The study found that all road deaths saw a 27.5% increase from 2018 to 2022, which still holds true today. The study also revealed that male bicyclists are more vulnerable than anyone else on the road. In Arizona, the fatality rate for male bicyclists is 1.1 deaths per 100,000 males, while the rate for female bicyclists is 0.279 deaths per 100,000 females.
As a result of this study, researchers proposed that the pedestrian fatality rate may not fully be the pedestrian’s or even the driver’s fault. “Researchers proposed that the state’s ‘vehicle-oriented design culture’ is partially to blame for the high pedestrian fatality rates. Arizona’s wide roads encourage higher speeds and lack sufficient separated pedestrian infrastructure,” according to www.kold.com.
In order to keep ourselves and the people around us safe, make sure to follow the rules of the road and use the proper crosswalks.
- Be Visible.
- Stay Alert.
- Put down your phone.
- Follow the Rules.
- Walk in Safe Places.
