Dangerous by Design 2016 is the National Complete Streets Coalition’s latest report on pedestrian safety trends nationwide. A program of Smart Growth America, the coalition tracks pedestrian accidents nationwide and ranks the nation’s 104 largest cities and all 50 states based on their Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI).
The PDI takes into account the percentage of residents who commute to work on foot when looking at pedestrian deaths. According to the report, the nationwide average PDI is 52.5. There were 1.47 deaths per 100,000 people nationwide.
How did New Jersey rank in Dangerous By Design?
New Jersey ranked 20th in the 2016 report; this is below more than half of other states when it comes to pedestrian dangers. The state had 1.68 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2016, earning it a PDI of 56.1. This is almost four points higher than the national average.
The pedestrian danger in New Jersey improved from a PDI of 53.2 in 2011 to 53 in 2014. However, the state’s PDI increased by 3.1 points (53 to 56.1) between 2014 and 2016.
What trends can we see in Pennsylvania pedestrian dangers?
Pennsylvania fared somewhat better than New Jersey in the Dangerous by Design rankings. The Keystone State ranked 34th out of all 50 states. In 2016, there were 1.18 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents. The state scored a PDI of 30.3.
Pennsylvania’s PDI fell 2.1 points from 32.1 in 2011 to 30 in 2014. The state’s PDI increased between 2014 and 2016, however. The index rose a total of 0.03 points, from 30 to 30.3 during this period.
How does Philadelphia compare to other cities in the report?
The Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan statistical area ranked 68th of the 104 cities examined by the 2016 report. This means the Philadelphia area is safer for pedestrians than 67 other large cities across the country. The city saw 1.63 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents in 2016.
The city also improved its PDI in 2016. Philadelphia’s PDI scores include:
- 2011: 43.6
- 2014: 44.3
- 2016: 44.0
Like many other large cities, Philadelphia takes part in a Complete Streets initiative. This initiative is a strategy that uses improvements in infrastructure to help keep all commuters safe — including pedestrians and cyclists.
There is no doubt that the design of some streets makes them much more dangerous for commuters on foot. By focusing on safety for all commuters when planning, designing, and building roads and other infrastructure, cities can eliminate some of these dangers.
Can Cordisco & Saile, LLC help me after a pedestrian accident?
If you suffered injuries in a Bucks County, Philadelphia, or New Jersey pedestrian versus car accident, Cordisco & Saile, LLC can help. Our knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorneys will analyze your case, collect any evidence, file your claim, and fight for a fair and just settlement.
Call us today at 215-642-2335 to schedule a time to meet with one of our lawyers for free.
