Statistics Show October Is Deadliest Month For Pedestrians In Pennsylvania
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The death of a Cheltenham high school student in a pedestrian accident yesterday as she was walking before sunrise to a school bus stop is a sobering reminder of the risks of walking in the dark in the morning and early evening (see related story).
Meanwhile, AAA Mid-Atlantic says a review of federal highway data finds October is the deadliest month for pedestrians in Pennsylvania.
A report compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pinpoints October as the deadliest month for pedestrians with Philadelphia accounting for one-third of the highway fatalities that are pedestrian related.
AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Jenny Robinson says the numbers show the riskiest time of the day for most crashes is between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
"Not a surprise. Kids getting out of school is one reason for that or people walking to a bus stop, walking home from work."
And, while Robinson says kids are often the victims of pedestrian accidents, the numbers show those who die in such crashes are actually older.
"The age group that has the most pedestrian fatalities is 55 and over. The age group with the most pedestrian injuries is under 35."
Robinson says reducing the grim statistics is a joint responsibility among drivers, pedestrians and even bicyclists who need to be on the lookout for each other at this time of the year.
