Pedestrian deaths in the United States have hit record levels and are rising faster than motorist deaths over the same time, preliminary numbers show.
The first six months of 2016 saw 2,660 pedestrian fatalities, a record 11 percent increase over the 2,486 deaths during the same time period in 2015, according to a study by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
“This is the second year in a row that we have seen unprecedented increases in pedestrian fatalities, which is both sad and alarming,” report author Richard Retting of Sam Schwartz Transportation Consultants said, HealthDay reported.
The report suggested several reasons for the increase, including more drivers on the roads due to lower gas prices, more people walking for exercise, and the use of smartphones by both drivers and pedestrians.
“Unfortunately, this latest data shows that the U.S. is not meeting the mark on keeping pedestrians safe on our roadways. Every one of these lives represents a loved one not coming home tonight, which is absolutely unacceptable,” GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins said, HealthDay reported.
“I think the fact that our frenzied pace of life and our frenzied need to stay in touch on our smartphones is certainly a contributing factor to a lot of these fatalities,” said GHSA Senior Director of Communications and Programs Kara Macek, NBC News reported.
Twitter users reacted to the news by wondering if the government would spend money on the problem and noting that pedestrians need to pay attention to their walking rather than their phones.
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