Report: Pedestrian fatalities in Rhode Island have dropped

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Pedestrian fatalities in Rhode Island have dropped since 2017, bucking the national trend.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal pedestrian crashes in Rhode Island have decreased from 21 in 2017 to five so far in 2019.

A Rhode Island Department of Transportation spokesman tells WJAR-TV that the department has been providing more funding for law enforcement to patrol for pedestrian safety.

The department has also been promoting a new public service campaign to raise awareness.

Safety improvements are expected to continue next year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 6,200 people were struck and killed by vehicles in 2018 nationwide, a 3.4% increase from the previous year.

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Information from: WJAR-TV, http://www.turnto10.com