Deaths of Distracted Pedestrians on the Rise in Wisconsin
Monday, December 11th, 2017 -- 8:52 AM
(USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) -Distracted driving is a proven killer on Wisconsin roadways, but distracted walking can be just as deadly, state transportation officials say.Pedestrian deaths in the state stood at 55 near the end of November, roughly 10 more than at the same time in 2016. This year’s total has already eclipsed the 49 pedestrian deaths for all of 2016. Overall, 555 people have died on Wisconsin roads during the first 11 months of 2017. More than 20 of the fatalities involve alcohol or drug impairment. But inattentive ??" or distracted ??" driving also plays a prominent role, according to Pabst.
The Associated Press reported earlier this year that traffic fatalities jumped by 6 percent in 2016, the highest level in the U.S. in nearly a decade. The National Safety Council estimated that there were more than 40,200 deaths last year. Research also showed that pedestrian deaths sharply outpaced overall fatalities, climbing 25 percent from 2010 to 2015, the AP reported. Alcohol, distracted driving and distracted walking were cited as contributing factors.
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