According to a report, Arizona has one of the highest rates of pedestrian deaths in the United States.

The study conducted by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association found that Arizona ranks third in the whole nation for the most pedestrian deaths per capita. In the first six months of 2016 a total 97 pedestrians lost their lives, up from the 86 deaths in the first half of 2015.

A total 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives nationwide last year, which is the highest number in more than two decades.

The director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Alberto Guiter said that jaywalking is one of the causes for pedestrian deaths in Arizona.

“Others are looking at their cell phone or doing text messaging while walking,” he said. “I saw it a couple days ago. Some person was walking and actually crossing Central Avenue mid block, and they couldn’t get their heads off their phone.”

Another contributing factor in the deaths is speed, as well drivers, who run a red light or a stop sign, he added.

The reports were conducted several months after Arizona was awarded a grant by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.

Florida and Tennessee were honored with the award.

Guiter stated that his office plans utilizing the grant money by teaching the public and to raise awareness about pedestrian and bicycle deaths in Arizona. A part of the grant will also go towards adding enforcement, he added.

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