Pedestrian fatalities remain high in the U.S.

ORLANDO – Across the country, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every 72 minutes a pedestrian dies on U.S. roadways.

Big picture view:

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and the NHTSA is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians.

More pedestrians will be out towards the end of the month for Halloween with families   trick-or-treating with children who may not be aware of surrounding traffic and dart into the street.

Drivers Urged to Protect Pedestrians 

What you can do:

The NHTSA offers these driving tips to keep pedestrians and drivers safe:

• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, as 77% of pedestrian fatalities in 2023 occurred in the dark.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around schools, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Drive sober — alcohol use was reported in 46% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023.
• Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where drivers can’t see.

By the numbers:

Pedestrian fatalities remain high in the United States, accounting for 18% of all traffic fatalities in 2023. 

• In 2023, there were 7,314 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 3.7 percent decrease from the 7,593 pedestrian fatalities in 2022.
• There were an estimated 68,244 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2023, a 1.3-percent increase from 67,341 pedestrians injured in 2022.
• Pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities and 3 percent of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2023.
• More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) than in daylight (19%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2023.

Pedestrian Safety Trends: What the Data Says

A report by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) examined 2023 data from the NHTSA to take a closer look at when, where, and how pedestrians are struck and killed by drivers. The report found that:

• One in four pedestrian deaths is the result of a hit-and-run crash.
• Pedestrian deaths are increasing at a rate far faster than overall traffic fatalities.
• The share of pedestrian deaths caused by SUVs and pickups has surged in recent years.
• More than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark, and the share of nighttime deaths has skyrocketed recently.
• Nearly two-thirds of pedestrian deaths occurred in locations without a sidewalk in 2023.
• In 2023, nearly 1,200 people died on freeways and interstates which aren’t designed for pedestrians.
• Alcohol impairment by both drivers and pedestrians is a significant safety concern.