According to Orange Beach Police and posts on social media, a woman was struck and killed on 26600 block of Perdido Beach Blvd. on Sunday evening. The victim, a 43-year-old woman from Louisiana, was crossing Perdido Beach Boulevard when she was fatally struck.

Orange Beach Police are still investigating the accident. If you saw this accident, or have any information about it, please call the OBPD at 251-981-9777.

According to Baxley/ Maniscalco Law, Alabama consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports Alabama as the 9th most dangerous with a pedestrian fatality rate of 2.43 per 100,000 people, exceeding the national average of 1.89.

The upward trending number of pedestrian accidents is also concerning. While there isn't a single definitive cause for the rise, crashes involving pedestrians have been on the rise in recent years. WBRC reported that in 2022 Alabama saw over 760 pedestrian crashes, with at least 125 fatalities. This is a significant increase from 2020's numbers.

Here are some tips to improve pedestrian safety:

• Safe Walking Habits: Pedestrians can take steps to minimize risk:
• Walk on Sidewalks: Use available sidewalks whenever possible. If no sidewalk exists, walk facing traffic and as far to the left of the road as possible.
• Use Crosswalks: Always use crosswalks, even if there's no apparent traffic. Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they see you before crossing.
• Avoid Distractions: Put away phones and headphones while walking. Be aware of your surroundings and focus on traffic.
• Obey Traffic Signals: Wait for the pedestrian signal before crossing intersections, even if it seems safe to cross without it.
• Increase Visibility: Wear bright clothing, especially at night, to increase your visibility to drivers.
• Driver Awareness: Drivers also play a crucial role in pedestrian safety:
• Minimize Distractions: Avoid using cell phones or engaging in activities that divert your attention from the road.
• Obey Speed Limits: Slower speeds give drivers more time to react to pedestrians.
• Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks: Always yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks or using marked pedestrian paths.
• Be Attentive and Watch Out for Pedestrians: Scan intersections, crosswalks, and roadsides for pedestrians, especially at night or near schools and busy areas.