Nationally, the number of pedestrian accidents has been on a downward trend for the past 20 years. In particular, the number of deaths and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents with pedestrians ages 14 and younger has been on a steady and significant decline during that time period. In Ohio, unfortunately, the decline in fatal pedestrian accidents is not as clear. The statistics in our state have fluctuated during the past five years instead of continually trending downward.

Nationwide, the decrease in the number of pedestrian deaths has been attributed to several factors, including:

·         Increased awareness of traffic safety issues around pedestrians and bicyclists. Funding spent on raising awareness for pedestrians and bicyclists has risen dramatically, from millions to billions of dollars.

·         More than a billion dollars were aimed at encouraging children to walk and bike to school safely.

·         Mechanical and structural improvements to streets. Some such improvements include median islands for pedestrians to stop while crossing, and increases in delays before street lights turn green.

·         Increased police enforcement of traffic laws.

·         Improved driving behavior, such as fewer drunk drivers on the road.

These trends are certainly positive. Together, they provide major contributions to the health and safety of all pedestrians, and children especially. However, we can't yet claim a victory for pedestrian safety. Pedestrian accidents still take far too many lives of both adults and children in Ohio.

Driver inattention remains a serious threat to pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers. Motorists on Ohio's roadways must reduce distractions while driving in order to avoid causing life-changing injuries and death to innocent people. Please drive safely.

Source: Middletown Journal, "Recent fatal car accidents involving pedestrians buck U.S. trend," Kyle Nagel, June 26, 2012