Final answer:
The question revolves around the trend in pedestrian fatalities due to traffic crashes over time and requires examining traffic crash statistics. To accurately assess trends in pedestrian deaths, one must consult specific and recent data on traffic crash fatalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to traffic crash fatalities and how their numbers have trended over time. While the question specifically compares pedestrian fatalities between years, it is important to place such data within the broader context of overall traffic-related deaths and contributing factors to gain a complete understanding. Statistical analyses of traffic crashes often include a variety of metrics, such as the total number of fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes, the breakdown of fatalities by category (e.g., drivers, passengers, pedestrians), and comparisons over different time periods.
Data shows that there have been fluctuations in the number of fatalities over the years. For example, data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a general decline in the total number of fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes from 2004 to 2011. Furthermore, societal changes, such as the increase in accidental deaths from drug overdoses compared to motor vehicle crashes in 2014, can affect the understanding of traffic-related fatalities.
While the original statement suggested a decrease in pedestrian fatalities from the prior year to 2016, to accurately assess this claim, one would have to refer to recent data sources that specifically address pedestrian fatalities during these years. Only with this information could a proper comparison be made and discussed in relation to broader trends in vehicle safety, changes in law enforcement practices, and public health initiatives focusing on traffic safety.