Pedestrian Deaths Down
2024 decline second straight year, but fatalities still up dramatically, particularly when larger vehicles are involved.
Pedestrian deaths are growing significantly faster than overall traffic fatalities, spiking 80% from 2009 to 2023 as overall traffic deaths increased just 13%.
Pexels/Vinta Supply Co-NYC
U.S. pedestrian deaths fell for a second straight year last year but were still up substantially from the last decade.
The Governors Highway Safety Association data shows fatalities fell 4% to more than 7,100, which is still enough people to fill 31 Boeing 737s, it said in a grim analogy that illuminates the still tragically high toll.
Despite two years of decreases, pedestrian deaths were up 19% from 2016 and hit a 40-year high in 2022, said the group, which plans a July 31 webinar on steps State Highway Safety Offices are taking to stem such fatalities.
“The second straight year of fewer pedestrian deaths is a step in the right direction, but much more must be done to protect people walking,” said GHSA CEO Jonathan Adkins. “Now is the time to double down on what works – more and better infrastructure, enforcement to deter dangerous driving behaviors, engaged and informed communities, and vehicles designed to protect people on foot.”
The group also examined a 2023 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that shows pedestrian deaths are growing significantly faster than overall traffic fatalities, spiking 80% from 2009 to 2023 as overall traffic deaths increased just 13%.
Pedestrians killed by light trucks, a category that includes SUVs and vans, made up 54% of all 2023 pedestrian fatalities involving a known vehicle type – a quarter of pedestrian deaths are hit-and-run crashes – compared to 37% hit by passenger cars.
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