Where does Delaware rank in pedestrian deaths?

Walking is a free and healthy form of transportation that most people can utilize anytime. Whether you frequently jog because you run 5ks with your family for the holidays or walk to the local bookstore to reduce your environmental impact, you potentially help preserve your health while saving the cost of motor vehicle transportation whenever you walk.

Any time a pedestrian has to walk somewhere close to motor vehicles, they are at risk of being hit by distracted drivers and suffering injuries that could leave them severely injured or even dead.

Unfortunately for Delaware, the state is one of the most dangerous in the country for pedestrians.

What do statistics show?

Between 2016 and 2020, Delaware saw 140 pedestrian deaths. While the overall number is lower than in many other states high on the list, when you look at the number of deaths per 100,000 people in the state, the figure is 2.89, which is quite high. Iowa, the lowest ranked state on the list with only 115 deaths had a rate of 0.73 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people.

Your chances of getting hurt while walking are higher in Delaware than in much of the rest of the country. Obviously, the answer isn’t just for adults in the state to avoid walking anywhere. Instead, pedestrians need to prioritize their own safety, as it is clear that drivers don’t do a good job of focusing on pedestrians.

How can you lower your pedestrian crash risk?

Choosing walking or jogging routes with lower speed limits and marked crosswalks, prioritizing visibility and avoiding factors like chemical impairment and distraction that increase your risk could help you safely arrive at your destination on foot.

If you do end up hurt by someone in a motor vehicle, their insurance policy should help cover your costs. If the driver doesn’t have adequate insurance for your needs, you may have the option of taking someone to court for losses like missed wages and hospital bills.

Understanding your risk of a pedestrian crash and what protection you have available if you experience one is helpful for those who frequently walk on public roads.