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Memphis, TN, is the United States’ most dangerous metro area for pedestrians. The rate of fatal pedestrian accidents in Memphis has steadily risen each year. Unfortunately, the city isn’t alone in this trend—in 2022, the U.S. saw 7,522 pedestrian deaths, which was 75 percent higher than in 2010.
What Is Behind the Increase in Fatalities?
At NST Law, we believe making our community safer starts with evaluating the data. A combination of many factors contributes to Memphis’s recent increase in pedestrian deaths. Let’s explore these potential reasons and the numbers behind them.
Roadway Design
Eighty-five percent of Memphis’ fatal pedestrian crashes between 2014 and 2023 occurred on arterial roads. These are roads that carry large volumes of traffic between important areas. These roads typically have high speed limits, signalized intersections, and limited or poorly maintained sidewalks.
Pedestrians who attempt to cross arterial roads are at a higher risk of being struck by vehicles due to the lack of pedestrian infrastructure and high vehicle speeds.
Urban Sprawl
In recent decades, Memphis has experienced significant sprawl, which is the rapid spreading of urban development into previously undeveloped areas near a city. Sprawl creates low population density and a heavy reliance on cars, so these areas aren’t designed for pedestrians.
As a result, those who walk in Memphis may face longer, more dangerous routes. In contrast, one study found that for every one percent increase in the sprawl index, which indicates less sprawl, pedestrian fatality rates fell by more than three percent.
Distracted Driving
In 2021, eight percent of Shelby County’s traffic fatalities involved distracted driving. It’s a growing problem exacerbated by smartphone and social media use behind the wheel. Eating, drinking, tending to passengers, or even changing the radio station while driving can also contribute to distracted driving. Every second a driver’s attention is diverted from the road increases their risk of fatally striking a pedestrian.
Speeding
Speeding contributed to 15.7 percent of the traffic fatalities in Shelby County in 2021. Drivers require ample time to see and react to pedestrians on the road, and the speed limit is set accordingly. When a driver exceeds the speed limit, they may be unable to brake or swerve quickly enough to avoid causing a pedestrian accident.
Urban Heat Island Effect
By 2050, Memphis will experience approximately 51 days per year with temperatures over 96.9°F. In 1990, the temperature exceeded that level only seven days per year.
Traffic collisions are often more prevalent during heat waves, possibly due to the effect of heat on decision-making. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to heat-related effects on brain function because they don’t have the benefit of a vehicle’s air conditioning.
Poor Road Maintenance
The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Tennessee’s roads a grade of “C” in its 2022 Infrastructure Report Card. This indicates that many of the state’s roads are in poor condition due to fading crosswalk markings, broken walk signals, and sidewalk hazards that force pedestrians to enter the road.
Impaired Driving
In 2021, 17.6 percent of Shelby County’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol-impaired driving. Drunk driving accidents often happen at night, where poor visibility and lack of proper lighting can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians on the road. The combination of alcohol and darkness can be deadly for pedestrians.
Weather Conditions
In 2022, 89 percent of traffic crash fatalities in urban areas happened in clear weather conditions. While some fatal crashes might be weather-related, weather conditions are likely not a factor in Memphis’s increase in incidents.
Insufficient Traffic Enforcement
The Department of Justice’s investigation into the Memphis Police Department revealed concerns about unlawful stops, searches, and arrests. As a result, local law enforcement may be less likely to enforce traffic laws. Drivers might catch on to this trend and be more inclined to drive in ways that endanger pedestrians.
What Can Be Done About the Increase in Fatalities?
Local and federal officials are working to improve pedestrian safety in Memphis through initiatives such as the Complete Streets Act. Measures like improving street lighting, building better sidewalk infrastructure, and implementing traffic calming strategies could all play a role in reducing pedestrian car accident deaths.
It takes time, effort, and funding to implement these strategies, so we have yet to see their full impact. Memphis pedestrian accidents will continue to happen in the meantime, and NST Law is here to help when they do.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a pedestrian accident in Memphis, our personal injury lawyers can help you seek justice and fair compensation. Our law firm has won billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including loved ones of wrongful death victims.
We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, and we have been winning billions of dollars for our Clients for over 35 years. Let us put this experience to work on your behalf. Time is limited due to Tennessee’s personal injury statute of limitations, so contact us today for a free consultation.
