Which of these statements about pedestrian deaths is (are) correct?
I. In cities, two of every five people killed in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians.
II. Most of the pedestrians killed in all traffic crashes are teenagers.
Answers
I only
II only
Both I & II
Neither I nor II
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is I only.
Here’s an explanation for each statement:
Statement I: In cities, two of every five people killed in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians.
This statement is correct. According to various reports and studies on traffic safety, pedestrians make up a significant portion of those killed in traffic accidents, especially in urban environments. In many cities, pedestrians account for around 40% of all traffic fatalities, though the exact percentage can vary depending on factors such as city size, infrastructure, and traffic safety measures. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that pedestrians represent about 16% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., but in dense urban areas, this proportion can increase.
Statement II: Most of the pedestrians killed in all traffic crashes are teenagers.
This statement is incorrect. While teenagers do make up a portion of pedestrian fatalities, they do not represent the majority. The majority of pedestrian deaths are typically seen among older adults, particularly seniors aged 65 and over. Factors such as age, mobility issues, and slower reaction times contribute to the higher vulnerability of older adults to pedestrian accidents. Teenagers, on the other hand, are more likely to be involved in crashes due to risky behaviors like jaywalking, distractions (e.g., using phones), or crossing streets at night. However, they do not represent the majority of pedestrian fatalities.
Summary:
- Statement I is true: A significant number of people killed in traffic accidents in urban areas are pedestrians.
- Statement II is false: The majority of pedestrian deaths involve older adults, not teenagers.
Thus, the correct answer is I only.