One of the most efficient, affordable ways to get around Miami is on foot, but there are risks involved when walking in one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians in the U.S. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), accidents involving people on foot are among the deadliest traffic-related collisions in the state. While pedestrian accidents make up just 2% of the total crashes that occur in Miami-Dade County every year, they are responsible for 30% of the fatalities.
While the lack of a protective metal shell and size differential compared to other vehicles are key factors, one of the most critical indicators of injury severity in pedestrian collisions is vehicle speed. Despite aggressive efforts to enforce the 25 mph speed limit in Downtown Miami, motorists still travel too fast and put all road users at risk. It is important to consult with a Miami pedestrian accidents attorney right away if you were injured, but you might find it useful to understand the role speed plays in these types of accidents.
Relationship Between Speed and Pedestrian Injuries
Many studies have been conducted on how speed affects the severity of trauma in a pedestrian crash, and researchers at AAA formulated their results in terms of percentages. For instance: