Birmingham Faces Pedestrian Safety Concerns
Birmingham, Alabama, is facing rising concerns regarding pedestrian safety as a recent study highlights the risks pedestrians face in the area. According to a report by the National Complete Streets Coalition, the Birmingham metro area ranks as the 39th most dangerous city for pedestrians when measured by deaths per 100,000 people. This is alarming given that no other city in Alabama appears in the top 50 of the rankings.
Rising Numbers
This year, approximately 33 pedestrian deaths were reported in Jefferson County alone. However, it is essential to note that the study includes the broader Birmingham region, where about 83% of the population resides outside the city limits. In fact, less than half of these pedestrian deaths occur within the city of Birmingham itself. When factoring in just the city of Birmingham, the pedestrian death rate climbs to around 8.13 per 100,000 people, a rate significantly higher than that of the most hazardous city in this study by 45%.
Safety Challenges
This surge in pedestrian fatalities has sparked discussions on safety practices in the area. Bill Yates, Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner, emphasizes that many pedestrian accidents are preventable. He explains that injuries and fatalities often occur not because pedestrians were legally present, but rather due to their positioning and actions. “When a pedestrian is struck in Jefferson County, it is usually not because they are where they are legally allowed to be,” Yates stated.
Understanding the circumstances surrounding these accidents is crucial. A significant number of these fatalities happen at night, particularly along highways or in areas lacking sidewalks. Shockingly, approximately one-third of pedestrian deaths involve individuals who were intoxicated at the time of the accident, and it remains unclear how many of the incidents involve impaired drivers, especially since hit-and-run cases are prevalent.
Common Patterns
The patterns of these incidents shed light on broader concerns regarding pedestrian safety. Yates noted, “It’s not cyclists getting hit or someone getting hit necessarily at a crosswalk where they had the right of way to cross. *It’s usually they’ve put themselves in that travel lane as a pedestrian and they don’t have the right of way.*” This paints a vivid picture of the challenges pedestrians face and highlights the need for increased awareness among both drivers and pedestrians.
Calls for Action
With the growing number of pedestrian deaths raising alarms, stakeholders in Birmingham are urged to take action. Community leaders are encouraged to push for better safety measures such as improved lighting, more expansive sidewalks, and clearer pedestrian crossings. Education campaigns that target both pedestrians and drivers may prove beneficial in promoting safe practices on the streets.
Aware that improved infrastructure and awareness can save lives, the local community is urged to engage in discussions and initiatives aimed at increasing pedestrian safety. These efforts are crucial not only for reducing the number of pedestrian-related fatalities but also for fostering a culture of respect and caution on the road, ensuring that everyone can navigate Birmingham safely.
