Related: FAQ: How Soon After My Pedestrian Accident Should I Contact An Attorney?
The last pedestrian-vehicle accident in Lexington 2014
The last reported pedestrian victim in Lexington was Jacob Hamilton. Hamilton was waiting for a bus near Wilderness Road and was hit by a car. The driver did not stop after hitting Hamilton, but later called the police and admitted to hitting Hamilton. Hamilton suffered from severe injuries and was taken to the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital. He was later pronounced dead. The accident happened on December 14, 2014.
Is Louisville a dangerous place for pedestrians?
On the other hand, Lexington has experienced a significant decline in pedestrian accidents, which is great! However, the Louisville area has been considered as the 17th-deadliest metropolitan area for pedestrians. This was based on a study made by the National Complete Streets Coalition. This program of Smart Growth America was aimed to “promote the development and implementation of policies and professional practices that ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities.”
Pedestrian study
Based on the study, 14% of all traffic deaths in 2012 were pedestrians. The groups who were most at risk while walking were: older adults, children and minors. This study covered 1.24 million residents in Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Henry, Meade, Nelson, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties in Kentucky. It also included Clark, Floyd, Harrison and Washington counties in Indiana from 2003-2012.
Louisville received a federal grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2014. This grant will be used to increase safety measures for pedestrians who cross the city’s streets. It will help make Louisville a safer metropolitan area for pedestrians.
Related: Louisville, KY – 17th Most Dangerous City for Pedestrians
As a Kentucky Pedestrian Accident Attorney, I am glad that the number of pedestrian accidents in Lexington dropped last year. This is a good example of how collisions can be prevented, and we can lower pedestrian-vehicle crashes. Of course, drivers and pedestrians have to continue to follow the rules of the road, as well. So, it’s important for Louisville to have safe and proper crosswalks and pedestrian lanes, but it is still our behavior as pedestrians that matters the most. The city government is committed to make our roads safe. We should also do the same. Let’s make Louisville pedestrian-friendly!