Smartphones: Suspect Behind Spike in Pedestrian Deaths in Detroit

by | May 20, 2017 | Personal Injury | 0 comments

Michigan drivers need to ask themselves if they think driving blindfolded would be a good idea. In essence, that’s what many drivers are doing when they take their eyes off the road to read a text. In Michigan, texting while driving is illegal, but too many drivers seem to ignore the dangers posed by distracted driving.

It’s been estimated that a car would travel the length of a football field during the time it took to read an average text. To compound the problem, many pedestrians are even more attentive to their smartphones than drivers, paying only minimal attention to their surroundings. This can have deadly consequences.

The Increase in Pedestrian Deaths is Alarming

All across America, there has been a spike in the number of pedestrian fatalities, according to data compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Are Smartphones to Blame?

  • The number of pedestrian fatalities jumped 11% between 2015 and 2016.
  • From 2014 to 2016, the increase in pedestrian fatalities was 22%.
  • There was also a 6% increase in traffic fatalities from 2015 to 2016.

Since 2009, there has been an upward trend in pedestrian deaths. Researchers examined many factors while searching for the reasons behind this worrisome trend, considering lower gas prices, an improved economy and an increased number of people walking and jogging for exercise.

Those factors undoubtedly contribute to some of the accidental deaths of pedestrians, but researchers believe smartphones and other electronic devices bear the primary responsibility for these deaths. Unfortunately, this is very difficult to prove.

The rapid rise in smartphone use bears out their suspicions.

  • In 2011, 35% of U.S. adults owned a smartphone.
  • By the end of 2016, this number had skyrocketed to 77%.

A quick look at the people walking down any street in America reveals that a great many are so busy with their smartphones they are largely unaware of their surroundings. Simply talking on phones is distracting, but texting, searching the internet and playing games takes this lack of attention to a new level. How many times a day do people barely escape being hit by a car because they weren’t looking? Too often.

Every one of these deaths is a tragedy, leaving loved ones grieving. No text or phone call is worth a life. Smartphones have become life-altering devices. Don’t let your smartphone become a life-ending device. If you feel as if distracted driving was a factor in your pedestrian accident, contact the experts at Michigan Legal Center. Our experienced team of pedestrian accident attorneys have experience representing the people of Detroit and would like to help you bring your case to justice. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Detroit, MI – Multi-Vehicle Wreck w/Injuries on M-5 at I-696

Detroit, MI (November 26, 2023) - After an accident early on Sunday evening, November 26, a local Detroit roadway was nearly completely closed. Multiple right lanes, along with the freeway ramp, of eastbound Michigan Highway 5 at the I-696 exit were closed due to the...

St. Clair Co, MI – Injury-Causing Collision on 31 Mile Rd at Wadhams

St. Clair County, MI (November 26, 2023) - On Sunday afternoon, November 26, a three-vehicle crash resulted in at least one injury at the scene and closed down a local highway, according to local authorities. Several drivers were involved in a collision that shut down...

Detroit, MI – I-75 Site of Injury Car Accident at Adams Rd

Detroit, MI (November 26, 2023) - An accident involving at least two drivers happened on a local highway on Sunday, November 26, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation, resulting in a handful of potential victim injuries. At about 5:35 p.m., EMTs,...

Warren, MI – Injuries Reported in House Fire on 14 Mile Rd

Warren, MI (November 26, 2023) - According to officials with the Detroit Fire Department, a handful of victims were rescued from a home fire that occurred on Sunday, November 26. A house on 14 Mile Road near the Schoenherr Freeway in Warren caught fire at around 5:00...

Detroit, MI – Driver Arrested After Injury Wreck on I-96 at Telegraph

Detroit, MI (November 26, 2023) - Police say that an intoxicated driver caused a rear-end collision on I-96 early Sunday morning, and a man from Southfield is now in custody. Just before 3:30 a.m. in the morning, the Michigan State Police fielded several reports of an...

Madison Heights, MI – Woman Dies in Head-on Crash on 14 Mile Rd

Madison Heights, MI (November 26, 2023) - Late Saturday afternoon in Madison Heights, a woman in her 70s lost her life in a head-on collision. A westbound motorist crossed the centerline and collided with a vehicle driven by a 77-year-old woman, who was traveling east...

Detroit, MI – Three Hospitalized in Hit-and-Run at Schoolcraft & Southfield

Detroit, MI (November 26, 2023) - On Saturday night, a vehicle in Detroit struck three pedestrians, leaving them in serious condition. The incident reportedly took place on the western side of the city, at the intersection of Schoolcraft and the Southfield Freeway, at...

Mason Co, MI – Two Killed in Plane Crash at Mason Co Airport

Mason County, MI (November 26, 2023) - On Sunday morning, just after departure, an aircraft crashed and caught fire, killing two persons. No names were immediately given for the two victims of the collision near Ludington's Mason County Airport. Mason-Oceana 911...

Detroit, MI – Multi-Vehicle Wreck w/Injuries on I-75 After 14 Mile Rd

Detroit, MI (November 25, 2023) - After an accident early on Saturday morning, November 25, a local Detroit roadway was nearly completely closed. Several right lanes of southbound Interstate 75 after the 14 Mile Road exit were closed due to the accident at roughly...

White Lake Twnshp, MI – Gas Explosion, Injuries at Bogie Lake & M-59

White Lake Township, MI (November 25, 2023) - White Lake Township was the scene of a reported gas explosion on Friday night, November 25, and authorities are still looking into the incident. The incident took place near the intersection of Bogie Lake Road and Michigan...