Arizona ranks third for pedestrian fatalities

Nearly 200 people were killed last year in pedestrian and distracted driving accidents, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The GHSA is expecting to see more fatalities for the 2016 preliminary report, which will be released in May 2017. Arizona ranks as the third state to see pedestrian fatalities over the last two years. In 2016, over 5,000 pedestrians were killed in distracted driving and walking accidents. Moreover, Yuma County saw over 30 pedestrian accidents in 2015 and of the 33 accidents, two were deadly. Sergeant Lori Franklin with the Yuma Police Department said accidents often occur when drivers or pedestrians are distracted. “Pedestrians do have the right of way,” Franklin said. “But you still have to make sure the road is clear. Even if you’re on your cell phone, or looking off in another direction and you don’t see the vehicle coming.” Franklin also said drivers and pedestrians alike need to put in a greater effort and pay attention to the roads. “It’s on everybody’s part to put down the cell phones,” Franklin said. “Pay attention to the road, pay attention to where you’re walking, slow down.” The study by the GHSA also reports, California came in ninth, seeing nearly 200,000 pedestrian fatalities in 2015.