You might think jaywalking isn’t a serious offense. However, this seemingly harmless law violation has led to 111 Arizona deaths over the first half of 2018. What is causing this rise in jaywalking-related deaths and what can we do to prevent it? Let’s take a deeper look at this growing cause for concern.

“I see it all the time,” said the Director of Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Alberto Gutier. That was in response to how many incidents of jaywalking he sees on a daily basis. Gutier followed up, “Sometimes with children in their hands.”

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety released an alarming study. Their research found just shy of 20% pedestrian fatalities in 2016 happened at designated intersections. Further research determined that 72% of pedestrian-related vehicular incidents happened away from the intersection. These accidents happened at areas such as mid-block, shoulders, or driveways.

Gutier weighed in on the situation with disbelief. He stated, “It’s one mile from intersection to intersection. I’d rather walk 300 feet and cross at a light in a marked crosswalk than risk getting run over.”

So, don’t drivers see pedestrians? Do pedestrians see drivers? What is causing this issue? For one, the growing use of cell phones can take a brunt of the blame. Drivers are distracted driving more than ever. However, the people crossing the street are distracted jaywalking as well.

Combine distracted walking and driving with other situations such as jaywalking after dark led to 227 jaywalking deaths in 2017. In comparison to last year’s jaywalking death toll, Grutier commented on the 111 Arizona has seen already this year. The Director stated, “This year the numbers are going pretty high, pretty fast.”

To combat these issues, Gutier recommends all drivers to be defensive behind the wheel. Keep a keen eye out for jaywalkers. He finished up with, “Know who’s in front of you and who’s behind you, at the same time watch for pedestrians and watch for bicycles.” 

Here is the current national data for pedestrian fatalities by state: click here.