The traffic fatality rate in Philadelphia was recently reported to be 9.04 deaths per 100,000 residents.  This is TRIPLE the rate of New York City (2.86 per 100,000 residents) and approximatley double the rate of Washington DC (4.73 per 100,000).  Despite City Hall attempting to bring these numbers down, Philadelphia's streets are markedly more dangerous than comparable communities. Speed cameras installed in many locations have significantly reduced crashes and fatalities along dangerous roads like the Roosevelt Boulevard.  Philadelphia is also working to reduce speed limits to help reduce the danger of pedestrian accidents.  Why?  As an example, at 40 mph-plus there is roughtly a 50% chance a pedestrian will suffer death or severe injury.  In contrast to this, if a car is traveling only 20 mph pedestrians have a 10% chance of death and 25% chance of serious injury.  This helps explain the reason speed limits on roads such as Broad Street are set to only 25 mph. As frustrating and slow as that seems, it is saving (some) lives and is a legitimate way to curb pedestrian injuries and deaths.

If you or a loved one are hit by car while walking through Philadelphia or the suburbs, call Sandra Worthington for a free, no obligation consultation and evaluation of your case.