Officials in Asheville are working to improve pedestrian safety at a busy intersection in town. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the City of Asheville is installing crosswalks, pedestrian islands and flashing beacons at the intersection of Biltmore Avenue, Southside Avenue and South Charlotte Street. This is becoming a popular area for pedestrians, but the intersection has a lot of heavy vehicle traffic too. In the past, the busy intersection hasn’t been very pedestrian friendly, so safety advocates are hoping the new upgrades will help to improve pedestrian safety in the area.
Pedestrian Traffic Safety Facts
In 2016, there were 5,987 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes.
Between 2015 and 2016, there was a nine percent increase in pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roadways.
In 2016, 16 percent of all traffic fatalities were pedestrians.
On average in 2016, a pedestrian was killed nearly every 1.5 hours in the U.S.
In 2016, 90 percent of the pedestrians killed were killed in single-vehicle traffic crashes.
One in five pedestrians killed in 2016 were struck in crashes that involved hit-and-run drivers.
Everyone is a Pedestrian
Whether you’re driving in a residential community or a bustling traffic area, you need to be on the lookout for all different types of roadway users. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Everyone is a Pedestrian” campaign is raising awareness about the importance of safely sharing the road with pedestrians. First and foremost, this means making a commitment to distraction-free driving. You can’t be texting and sharing the road with pedestrians and other roadway users at the same time.
Pedestrian Safety Project in Asheville
Funds to improve pedestrian safety in Asheville are being provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Motorists, pedestrians and all other roadway users can expect to see delays in traffic while the project is being completed. Crews are expected to be in the area until the end of June.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.