Cars and Pedestrians Don’t Mix Well in Tampa

Tampa is one of the most dangerous cities in America for pedestrians. According to a study done by Transportation for America, between 2000-2009 there were over 900 deaths in Tampa Bay, second only to Orlando. And of course, there are many more pedestrians in Tampa Bay who are who are not killed, but significantly injured in pedestrian car accidents.

Federal grants have been given to try and improve the statistics, including $430,000 to help remind cars that they need to share the roads with pedestrians. This money can be used at some of Tampa’s most dangerous intersections where collisions between cars and pedestrians are more likely to happen. By making cars aware that they need to watch out for pedestrians, it’s hoped that Tampa can lower its grim statistics.

In addition to awareness, Tampa police are giving out more tickets to those who don’t obey the rules regarding cross walks. For example, cars driving in Tampa often roll past the clearly marked cross walk lines and can cause significant injury to pedestrians as a result. But enforcement of the laws doesn’t stop with police giving more tickets only to cars. Pedestrians in Tampa too often disobey the rules of the road and increase their risk of injury. As a result, police in Tampa are more likely to give expensive tickets to pedestrians caught jay walking.

It is important for both car drivers and pedestrians to appreciate the serious injury that can result in Tampa pedestrian car accidents. At only 10 mph for example, a car impacting a pedestrian can cause compound fractures to multiple parts of a pedestrian’s body. Tampa pedestrian auto accidents result in some of the most significant types of accident caused bodily injuries.

Awareness of the problem of pedestrian auto accidents in Tampa is a great first step in making Tampa a safer place for pedestrians. Walkers need to make sure they follow simple steps of looking both ways before crossing and perhaps getting the attention of the driver to make sure the driver recognizes that the pedestrian is about to cross the car’s path. Simple things such as this can help save lives and prevent often catastrophic injuries in Tampa pedestrian car accidents.

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