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Communities try to prevent pedestrian traffic deaths

Wed, 2009-11-11 05:12 — Robyn

Some communities are working to curtail sudden, puzzling increases in pedestrian traffic deaths while safety advocates urge states to spend more federal transportation dollars on sidewalks, crosswalks and safety programs for walkers and bicyclists.

More than 76,000 Americans have been killed walking or crossing the street in the past 15 years, and pedestrians account for about 11.8% of all traffic fatalities, according to the groups Transportation for America and the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership. However, less than 1.5% of federal transportation money is spent on projects for walkers and bicyclists.

LINK TO ORIGINAL

I was surprised at how high the figure for pedestrian deaths is. This document explains more about it: Pedestrian Roadway Fatalities PDF

UPDATE: Two Secret Service vehicles used by Vice President Joe Biden allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian. ABN