A pedestrian was killed early Monday after being struck by two vehicles on a major Tampa street.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened on Hillsborough Avenue near 50th Street.
Troopers said the pedestrian was struck in the eastbound lanes just before 3 a.m.
Both eastbound and westbound Hillsborough Avenue were closed for several hours after the crash.
Authorities have not released any further information as of yet.
The Governors Highway Safety Association shows that the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents increased 11 percent last year, to nearly 6,000. That’s the biggest single-year increase in pedestrian fatalities ever. It is also the highest number in more than two decades. The National Safety Council reported that traffic deaths overall went up 6 percent nationwide in 2016.
In Florida alone, we saw 301 pedestrian deaths from January 2016-June 2016, an 8.7 percent jump from 2015, which yielded 277 pedestrian deaths.
After speeding and the failure to yield, distractions are the number three cause of pedestrian fatalities, particularly due to electronic devices. Drivers distracted by their devices are a well-documented, rising cause of traffic fatalities.
Vehicle speeds are also a factor. According to reports, if a pedestrian is struck at 20 miles an hour, they have a 10 percent chance of dying. If they are struck at 40 miles an hour, they have an 80 percent chance of dying. According to the GHSA, 74 percent of pedestrian fatalities happen at night, and 72 percent of those killed were not crossing at intersections. Another significant factor is alcohol. The GHSA reports that 15 percent of pedestrians killed each year are hit by a drunk driver.
Regardless of what the reasons are, if someone you love has been killed in a pedestrian accident, our Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free consultation.