This heartbreaking incident sheds light on a critical issue in urban planning: the lack of safe infrastructure for pedestrians. The tragic death of 20-year-old Savion Henry along Philips Highway in Jacksonville, Florida, has ignited conversations about pedestrian safety, accountability, and systemic failures in city planning.
Savion was struck and killed by two vehicles while walking along Philips Highway, a road described as narrow, lined with establishments, and lacking proper sidewalks. Reports from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) stated that Savion was “illegally crossing the roadway” and wearing dark clothing, factors they claim contributed to the tragedy.
Savion’s friend Kaylee Mahony took to TikTok to express her grief and frustration. Her emotional video criticized the media for suggesting Savion was at fault while overlooking the root issue: inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.
Her video resonated with many, who echoed similar grievances about unwalkable cities and unsafe road conditions. “There’s barely sidewalks in a ton of places,” one commenter lamented, while another noted that America’s cities are often designed for vehicles, not pedestrians.
This isn’t just a Florida issue—it’s a nationwide crisis. The United States recorded over 7,700 pedestrian deaths in 2022, the highest number since 1981. Many urban areas prioritize vehicle traffic over pedestrian safety, leaving walkers to navigate dangerous roadways without proper sidewalks, crosswalks, or safety signs.
Another troubling trend is the tendency to blame pedestrians for their own deaths. Many shared stories of similar incidents where victims were accused of being at fault, even when struck by drunk or reckless drivers. This mindset not only shifts responsibility away from systemic issues but also fails to honor the memory of those who lost their lives.
Kaylee’s advocacy emphasizes that this tragedy could have been prevented with proper infrastructure. A sidewalk, crosswalks, or other pedestrian-friendly measures might have saved Savion’s life.
Urban planners, local governments, and transportation departments must prioritize pedestrian safety to prevent such senseless deaths. Cities need to address the root causes of these tragedies by building walkable spaces that protect all residents, regardless of whether they drive.
Savion’s story is a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go in making our cities safe for everyone. As Kaylee aptly put it, “It’s not his fault. He was put in an unsafe position to begin with.” Instead of assigning blame, this tragedy should spur action to ensure no one else loses their life simply for walking.