A study by the Schiller Kessler Group uncovers tourist hotspots where pedestrians face the highest risks from traffic. These popular destinations, while attracting crowds, also prevent significant dangers to those on foot. It highlights the need for increased awareness and safety measures.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale tops the list of dangerous tourist destinations for pedestrians. With 83 fatal crashes from 2018 to 2022, the city’s pedestrian death rate is alarmingly high at 45.32 per 100,000 residents. This Florida hotspot’s bustling beaches and vibrant night light attract millions, but its roads pose significant risks. The city’s layout, designed for cars rather than foot traffic contributes to this hazardous condition.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Despite its smaller population, Myrtle Beach ranks second in pedestrian risk. The South Carolina resort town experienced 14 fatal crashes over five years, resulting in a staggering 36.44 deaths per 100,000 residents. Seasonal influxes of tourists unfamiliar with local traffic patterns exacerbate the problem. The city’s compact layout and busy streets during peak seasons create a dangerous environment for pedestrians.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s pedestrian fatality rate of 34.39 per 100,000 residents places it third on the list. The Maryland city recorded 196 fatal crashes involving pedestrians from 2018 to 2022. Baltimore’s dense urban environment, with its mix of historic neighborhoods and modern developments, presents unique challenges for pedestrian safety. High traffic volumes, complex intersections, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the risk.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque ranks fourth with a pedestrian fatality rate of 34.22 per 100,000 residents. New Mexico City saw 192 fatal crashes involving pedestrians over five years. Albuquerque’s sprawling layout and car-centric roads create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. The city’s unique blend of urban and desert landscapes attracts tourists but also poses risks. Improving pedestrian infrastructure and increasing awareness of traffic safety are essential to protect both residents and visitors.
Saint Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis rounds out the top five with 91 fatal crashes with a rate of 31.75 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents. The Missouri city’s historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene draw tourists, but its streets can be treacherous. Wide roads designed for high-speed traffic and inadequate pedestrian crossings contribute to the danger.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit ranks sixth with 184 fatal crashes and a pedestrian death rate of 29.66 per 100,000 residents from 2018 to 2022. The city’s automotive heritage ironically contributes to pedestrian safety issues. Wide streets designed for cars, coupled with areas of urban decay, create dangerous conditions for walkers.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix’s urban landscape contributes to its high pedestrian fatality rate of 29.07 per 100,000 residents. With 478 fatal crashes over five years, the Arizona capital faces significant challenges in protecting pedestrians. The city’s car-centric design, combined with intense heat that discourages walking, creates a dangerous environment. Implementing shade structures, improving crosswalks, and educating drivers about pedestrian safety are crucial steps for this popular southwestern destination.
West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach ranks eighth with 33 fatal crashes and a pedestrian death rate of 27.29 per 100,000 residents. The Florida city’s mix of beaches, cultural attractions, and shopping districts draws numerous visitors. However, its streets pose significant risks to pedestrians. The city’s layout designed primarily for vehicular traffic, contributes to the danger.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s vibrant culture and beautiful beaches attract millions of visitors, but its streets pose significant risks to pedestrians. With 121 fatal crashes and a death rate of 26.92 per 100,000 residents, the city ranks ninth on the list. Miami’s bustling urban environment along with a large influx of tourists unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, creates hazardous conditions. Implementing comprehensive pedestrian safety measures is crucial to protect both residents and visitors in this iconic Florida destination.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans rounds out the top ten with 96 fatal crashes from 2018 to 2022. The city’s pedestrian death rate is 25.96 per 100,000 residents. Its unique layout, with narrow streets in historic districts and wider thoroughfares in newer areas, presents diverse challenges for pedestrian safety. The lively atmosphere that attracts tourists can also contribute to distracted walking and driving. Balancing the preservation of New Orleans’ charm with modern safety measures is essential to protect pedestrians in this beloved cultural destination.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s sprawling urban layout and car-centric design result in a high pedestrian fatality rate of 25.85 per 100,000 residents. The Georgia capital experienced 129 fatal crashes involving pedestrians over five years. Atlanta’s rapid growth and development have often prioritized vehicular traffic over pedestrian safety. Implementing comprehensive urban planning strategies that focus on walkability and pedestrian safety is crucial.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa ranks twelfth with 100 fatal crashes and a pedestrian death rate of 25.11 per 100,000 residents between 2018 and 2022. The Florida city’s mix of urban and suburban areas creates varied challenges for pedestrian safety. The lack of pedestrian infrastructure leads to such crashes. Improving crosswalks, implementing traffic measures, and educating both drivers and pedestrians about safety are essential steps to reduce fatalities in this popular Gulf Coast destination.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s charm and historic architecture attract numerous visitors. However, its streets pose significant risks to pedestrians. With 37 fatal crashes and a death rate of 24.08 per 100,000 residents, the South Carolina city ranks thirteenth. Charleston’s narrow streets and limited sidewalks in historic areas create the danger.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, known for its world-famous theme parks, faces significant pedestrian safety challenges. This city ranks fourteenth with 76 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2022. The pedestrian death rate in this city is 24.04 per 100,000 residents. Orlando’s layout and high volume of tourists unfamiliar with local traffic results in increasing risk.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers ranks fifteenth with 23 fatal crashes within five years. It has a pedestrian death rate of 23.97 per 100,000 residents. The Florida city’s mix of residential areas, tourist attractions, and lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure creates diverse safety challenges. Improving traffic measures, crosswalks, and spreading awareness about pedestrian safety can help to reduce fatalities.