The Miami area is not considered a bike friendly city. Pedestrians also face some of the same dangers on roads primarily dominated by motor vehicles. This is especially true in areas like Brickell where there are limited sidewalks due to construction combined with heavy traffic. Fortunately several initiatives and organizations have made government officials aware of this problem and are hoping to find solutions for those commuting in this area. However, in order to come up with solutions to limit the number of accidents accurate data is needed.
We have obtained Miami-Dade’s numbers for pedestrian accident for the past 5 years from the FIRES Portal. Fortunately, the numbers have decreased since 2014 by 5% and since 2015 by 8%. While the decrease may not seem significant, fewer pedestrians have been injured or involved in accidents and that is good news.
Data from 2016 only reveals that over 1,300 pedestrian accidents were reported in the Miami-Dade area. Of these accidents, 43% were caused by motor vehicles in transport. Additionally, 82% of the pedestrians involved in these accidents were injured, and 5% of the injuries resulted in fatalities.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Areas for Pedestrians
Julia Tuttle Causeway | 4 Fatalities
There are a number of locations with more accidents reported but no location has a many fatalities as the Julia Tuttle Causeway. Four pedestrian fatalities reported in the past 5 years along the causeway with 4 additional pedestrian accidents reported without injuries. We can also report one cyclist fatality in the past 5 years as well. It’s easy to see the Julia Tuttle Causeway is a dangerous location for any sorts of travel.
Aventura Mall | 16 accidents
It’s no surprise that a highly pedestrian trafficked area is one of the most common for pedestrian accidents. Of the 16 pedestrian accidents reported only 3 had incapacitating injuries.
Southland Mall | 13 accidents
Again, a Mall as an area with a lot of pedestrian accidents. This time only one accident resulted in a significant injury
Mt. Zion African Episcopal Methodist Church | 11 accidents
The Mt. Zion Church was the site of 11 pedestrian accidents of the past 5 years, non of which resulted in significant injuries.
Miami-Dade Fair and Exposition | 9 Accidents
The Miami Dade Fair and Expo was the site of 9 different pedestrian accidents include one fatality. Most other injuries reported weren’t reported as serious.
West Flagler & NW 107th St | 8 Accidents
There were eight different pedestrian accidents occurring at this intersection. Some occurred at the Walgreens at the corner and some occurred while the pedestrian were crossing the road. No major injuries were reported.
Flagler Park Plaza | 7 Accidents
Just down the road from the intersection above, Flagler Park Plaza was the site of 7 accidents and no major injuries.
Safety Precautions for Pedestrians
An accident can occur anytime and anywhere, although the aforementioned locations are the most dangerous. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and prevent an accident:
- Cross the street at a marked intersection or crosswalk.
- Wear bright, light, or reflective clothing at night to increase visibility.
- Always walk on the sidewalk.
- Don’t assume all vehicles will stop (in general or for you to cross).
- Watch for turning vehicles, and make sure they see you when you’re crossing and will stop for you.
Pedestrians have just as many rights on the road as drivers. If you have been injured in an accident, the best course of action would be to contact one of our attorneys at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
Mark Kaire has been practicing law in Miami for nearly 15 years. He is dedicated to helping the injured people of Miami receive compensation. Mr. Kaire has been blogging on Miami’s legal issues for 4 years.