Why Pedestrian Deaths Are At A 30-Year High

[Igel]

34. Much of it.

Heavier vehicles.

Drivers distracted by their technology.

Somebody else mentioned those wearing dark colors at night.

Those account for a most of the increase, I suspect. And much of it is one-sided, little the pedestrian could do would matter.

I'd add that distraction by technology isn't just driver-side. I almost hit a pedestrian yesterday in broad daylight. She decided that it was okay to step into the road to avoid something in her path. She didn't bother to look to see if there was a car coming; she had her nose glued to her cell phone screen. Then she didn't hug the curb. Because phone.

Most of the pedestrians I see walk facing away from traffic. They wouldn't see a car heading their way even if they didn't have their phones out. I was taught to walk facing traffic, because that way I could possibly take responsibility for my own safety instead of saying, after the fact, "he did something illegal."

I also see a lot of people, mostly younger people, who prefer to walk in the road instead of the sidewalk. It shows that they're proud, angry, defiant, independent, or trendy. Or merely just stupid, and saying, "I dare you to hit me." And they do this, on occasion, two abreast. Because, well, they have the right. But, it seems, no requirement to keep themselves safe.

Now, add it that the vehicles are heavier and the drivers are distracted.