St. Petersburg has seen an alarming rise in pedestrian accidents, prompting local authorities to take action. According to a recent report by Fox 13 News, police in St. Petersburg will be stepping up their presence on the streets in an effort to curb bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
"We do what we can to be out there and doing targeted education and enforcement, whether it's through this grant or on our day-to-day activities to try to keep people safe," St. Petersburg Police Sgt. Michael Schade said in an interview with Fox 13.
Which parts of St. Petersburg have the most pedestrian and bicycle accidents?
The St. Petersburg Police will target their patrol efforts on certain streets and intersections with the most pedestrian and bicycle accidents, thanks to a $67,629 state grant. These streets were identified based on data the Florida Department of Transportation collected. The St. Petersburg streets and intersections with the most pedestrian accidents include:
- 34th Street North and South
- 4th Street North and South
- 18th Avenue South
- 16th Street South
- 3rd Street North
- S. 19/5th Avenue North
- 49th Street North
Have pedestrian and bicycle accidents gotten worse in St. Petersburg?
The short answer? There are more pedestrian and bicycle accidents than ever in St. Petersburg. Police Sgt. Schade told Fox 13 News that the "number of pedestrians and bicyclists on the roads in St. Pete has 'exploded' over the past couple of years." The main reason is that "more people on the roads means an increase in the number of accidents."
According to Schade, "The number of bicycle fatalities has doubled so far this year compared to last, jumping from two to four. Pedestrian fatalities are at seven, which is the same number as this time last year."
How bad are pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Florida?
Like St. Petersburg, the entire state of Florida has been grappling with an increasing number of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in recent years. The last three years in particular (2021, 2022, and 2023) have had the highest statewide pedestrian death toll in at least a decade, according to pedestrian accident data collected by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The worst year was 2021, when there were 835 pedestrian fatalities in Florida.
As for bicycle accidents, Florida set a record in 2023 for the most fatalities in a single year in over a decade. In 2023, there were 232 bicycle fatalities in Florida, according to accident data collected by the FLHSMV.
Pedestrian fatalities set record nationwide
For the past four decades, pedestrian deaths nationwide have been climbing higher nearly every single year. Then, in 2022, the most recent year for complete accident data, pedestrian fatalities set a record. That year, 7,522 pedestrians died in accidents nationwide, the most since 1981, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Why do so many pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen?
There are many reasons why these two types of accidents, in particular, have been on the rise in recent years. Some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding drivers who don't have time to avoid hitting a cyclist or pedestrian.
- Aggressive drivers who don't share the road with pedestrians or cyclists.
- Distracted drivers who aren't paying attention, especially texting drivers.
- Reckless drivers who don't stop at crosswalks or don't yield to cyclists.
How can a St. Petersburg pedestrian accident attorney help?
With local police ramping up efforts to reduce pedestrian accidents in St. Petersburg, it's clear that the city is taking the safety of its residents seriously. But even with these increased measures, accidents still happen, often leaving victims facing complicated legal situations. If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you might think your case would be simple. Someone else caused the accident, and their insurance should cover your costs.
Unfortunately, it's rarely that easy. Pedestrian and bicycle accident claims often turn into complex legal battles. That's where Armando Personal Injury Law comes in. Our experienced St. Petersburg pedestrian accident lawyers know how to tackle these challenges head-on. With a track record of securing major settlements and verdicts, including a multi-million-dollar settlement for an injured cyclist, we're prepared to fight for you.
Don't settle for less. Contact the St. Petersburg law firm that delivers real results and schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled attorney who knows how to handle pedestrian and bicycle accident cases throughout Florida.