(WTXL) - You may want to watch where you're walking if you live in Florida.
A new study shows over the past decade more than 50,000 pedestrians were hit and killed by drivers, making Florida the most dangerous place to walk in America.
According to Smart Growth America, from 2008 to 2017 there were more than 5,000 pedestrian fatalities in Florida.
And in the past decade, the number of people struck and killed while walking increased by 35 percent.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office said the best way to prevent these accidents from happening is not only for the driver to pay more attention to the roads, but also the pedestrian walking should always check before crossing.
"Even if it's a red light and you got a green light letting you go across that traffic is stopped. Don't rely on those lights to make you think that you're actually going to get across without getting hit," said Deputy Dave Teems. "Pay attention to what is going on. If you have people with you, children make sure you have them by the hand and guide them as you go across."
Deputy Teems adds that if you are walking at night have reflective clothing or a flashlight with you.
