This issue is very sad, and really points to how unliveable many American cities are for those without the means to own a car. I know that where I am from is one of these places. Sidewalks are scarce and buses come every 2 hours, if you are lucky.

Since many of the new Hispanic immigrants from Mexico and other Latin American countries have limited access to vehicles or public transportation, they walk where they need to go. At the same time, pedestrian infrastructure in the South is often lacking, officials say.

The result has been deadly, with Hispanics accounting for the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities across most of the region.

“You end up on the road because there’s no side of the road you can walk on,” said Stephanie Bohon, a University of Georgia demographer who studies immigrant issues. “These people are walking under hazardous conditions. They know they’re taking a risk, but they haven’t many other options.”

Beyond the criticism of urban planning in the South lies the fact that this has everything to do with poverty. You either can’t afford a car or you are illegal and can’t get a driver’s license anyway. American cities aren’t made for pedestrians or for the poor, and new Latino immigrants are both.

Via / KOTV.com and Hispanic Tips