Pedestrian Injury Report 2024
Pedestrian safety has become an increasingly pressing concern across the US, with the number of people killed while walking rising by 58% between 2013 and 2023. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2022, the highest number in four decades. These alarming figures reveal an urgent need to address pedestrian safety through comprehensive analysis and targeted interventions.
Understanding pedestrian injury patterns and statistics is key to developing effective safety measures. Factors such as urban design, traffic density, and vehicle types play significant roles in these incidents.
This report analyzes trends in pedestrian injuries and fatalities, identifies high-risk areas, examines contributing factors, and provides recommendations for improving pedestrian safety.
As we’ve already seen, pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the US have been on the rise over recent years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that pedestrian fatalities accounted for 17.7% of all traffic deaths in 2022.
The highest incidence of pedestrian injuries and fatalities is concentrated in a few regions and cities of the US. In terms of states, California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Arizona have the highest pedestrian fatality rates.
Within these states, major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Houston, and Phoenix are notable for their high pedestrian injury statistics. These urban centers feature densely populated environments with heavy traffic, contributing to the high incidence of pedestrian-related accidents.
Recent trends and patterns reveal several factors influencing the increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on traffic patterns and behaviors. Reduced traffic enforcement during this period led to an increase in dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding and impaired driving. As a result, pedestrian fatalities rose dramatically in the years following.
The rise in the popularity of larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, has also contributed to the severity of pedestrian injuries. Due to their size and weight, these vehicles are more likely to cause serious injuries or death. Many urban areas also lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and proper lighting, further exacerbating the risk to pedestrians.
Urban design and infrastructure significantly impact pedestrian injury rates. Poorly designed urban areas without sidewalks, crosswalks, and proper lighting increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), inadequate sidewalks and unsafe crosswalks significantly contribute to pedestrian injuries. Many urban areas prioritize vehicle traffic over pedestrian safety, leading to environments where pedestrians are more vulnerable.
High traffic density in urban centers further exacerbates the risk. Densely populated areas with heavy traffic flows create hazardous conditions for pedestrians. For example, cities like Los Angeles and New York City report higher pedestrian injury rates due to their dense traffic and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.
The type of vehicles on the road and speed limits also play crucial roles in pedestrian injuries. Due to their size and weight, SUVs and trucks are more likely to cause severe injuries or fatalities. Data shows that the popularity of these larger vehicles is correlated with increased pedestrian fatalities. For instance, vehicles with higher front ends and blunt profiles are 45% more likely to cause fatal pedestrian accidents than smaller cars.
Higher speed limits also increase the severity of pedestrian injuries. Pedestrians struck by vehicles traveling at higher speeds are more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities. The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in California highlights that unsafe speed accounted for 8.2% of pedestrian fatalities and severe injury crashes in 2021.
Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are among the most common behaviors leading to pedestrian accidents.
Distracted driving, such as using mobile phones while driving, increases the risk of accidents. Similarly, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a threat to pedestrians. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that alcohol impairment was a factor in 43% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2021. In many cases, both the driver and the pedestrian were impaired.
Pedestrian injury rates in California are notably higher compared to the national average. In 2021, California reported 1,108 pedestrian fatalities, representing a 9.4% increase from the previous year. According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in California, the state’s pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25% higher than the national rate.
Nationally, pedestrian fatalities reached over 7,500 in 2022, marking the highest number in four decades. Despite a slight decrease in the first half of 2023, pedestrian fatalities in the US remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Several unique factors contribute to the high pedestrian injury rates in California. The state’s large population, for instance, and its extensive road network are primary factors. With nearly 40 million residents, California has the largest population of any US state, resulting in higher pedestrian traffic and consequently more pedestrian injuries.
Urban sprawl and the design of California’s cities also play a crucial role. Many urban areas in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, have high traffic density and lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure. Pedestrians often face hazardous conditions in these cities due to insufficient sidewalks and poor lighting.
California’s diverse geography and climate also influence pedestrian injury rates. The state’s warm weather encourages more people to walk short distances, leading to an increase in the risk of pedestrian injuries. The mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas also presents varied challenges for pedestrian safety.
Speed limits and vehicle types are other factors contributing negatively to California’s pedestrian safety record. The state’s roads often have higher speed limits, and the prevalence of larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks increases the severity of pedestrian injuries.
Pedestrian injury victims in the US come from diverse demographic backgrounds, but certain groups are more vulnerable. According to data from the NHTSA and Emergency Medical Services, age, gender, and race significantly influence pedestrian injury rates.
Children and older adults are particularly at risk. In 2021, 15% of children aged 14 and under who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Similarly, older adults (65 and above) are more likely to be involved in fatal pedestrian accidents due to their decreased mobility and slower reaction times.
The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that adults aged 35-44 and 55-64 also represent a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities, each accounting for 1,351 deaths in 2022.
Males are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents than females. In 2021, males accounted for 70% of all pedestrian fatalities. This disparity may be due to higher exposure rates and riskier behaviors observed among male pedestrians.
Racial minorities, particularly non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals, face higher pedestrian injury rates. From 2015 to 2019, pedestrians from this group made up 21% of pedestrian fatalities while constituting only 12% of the population. American Indians also experience disproportionately high pedestrian fatality rates.
Socioeconomic status is a significant factor in pedestrian injury rates. Lower-income neighborhoods often experience higher rates of pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to several contributing factors.
Poorer neighborhoods frequently lack adequate pedestrian infrastructure. Inadequate sidewalks, poor lighting, and unsafe crosswalks increase the risk of accidents. The CDC emphasizes that these infrastructure deficiencies prevalent in low-income areas exacerbate the danger to pedestrians.
Residents of lower-income neighborhoods have less access to safety resources, such as pedestrian education programs and effective traffic enforcement. These areas often see less traffic enforcement, leading to more dangerous driving behaviors like speeding and impaired driving.
As we mentioned before, pedestrian injuries are not evenly distributed across the US; certain areas report significantly higher rates of incidents than others. In California, several counties and cities stand out for their high pedestrian injury and fatality rates.
Los Angeles County: This county has the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in California, with 295 deaths and 933 serious injuries reported in 2021.
San Diego County: San Diego reported 103 pedestrian fatalities and 155 serious injuries in 2021, making it one of the top counties for pedestrian incidents.
San Bernardino County: With 91 fatalities and 136 serious injuries in 2021, San Bernardino is another high-risk area for pedestrians.
Sacramento County: Sacramento reported 71 pedestrian fatalities and 134 serious injuries in 2021.
New York City, New York: As one of the most densely populated cities, New York City consistently reports high pedestrian injury rates.
Miami, Florida: Miami is another city with significant pedestrian injury statistics.
Houston, Texas: Houston’s large urban sprawl contributes to its high pedestrian injury rates.
Phoenix, Arizona: Phoenix frequently reports high pedestrian injuries and fatalities rates due to its extensive road network and high traffic volumes.
Pedestrian injuries are also influenced by the time of day, day of the week, and season. Analyzing these temporal patterns helps identify when pedestrians are most at risk.
Evening and Night: Pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur during evening and nighttime hours. Poor visibility and increased likelihood of impaired driving contribute to higher injury rates during these times. Data shows that 53.2% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2021 occurred between 6 PM and midnight.
Weekends: Pedestrian injuries peak on weekends, particularly Friday and Saturday nights. This pattern is often attributed to higher levels of alcohol consumption and increased foot traffic in entertainment districts.
Summer and Winter Holidays: Pedestrian injuries tend to rise during the summer and winter holidays. Summer travel increases overall pedestrian activity, while holiday festivities often lead to higher rates of impaired driving.
Visibility: Reduced visibility during nighttime and poor weather conditions significantly increase the risk of pedestrian injuries. Ensuring adequate street lighting and visibility can help mitigate this risk.
Traffic Patterns: High traffic volumes during rush hours also increase pedestrian injuries. Urban centers with dense traffic flows during peak times report higher incidents of pedestrian accidents.
Poor road conditions are a significant factor in pedestrian injuries. Inadequate road maintenance, signage, and unsafe intersections create hazardous pedestrian environments. Poorly maintained roads with potholes, uneven surfaces, and faded or absent road markings contribute to numerous pedestrian accidents yearly. All of these conditions make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to navigate safely and increase the likelihood of accidents.
Inadequate signage is another critical issue. Without clear signs indicating pedestrian crossings or speed limits, drivers may not know the need to slow down or yield to pedestrians. This lack of information can lead to dangerous situations, particularly in urban areas with high foot traffic. Unsafe intersections, often lacking proper traffic signals or pedestrian crossing lights, further exacerbate the risk.
Infrastructure projects aimed at improving pedestrian safety are crucial for addressing the issues. Numerous projects are underway in California to enhance road conditions and pedestrian infrastructure. For example, the ongoing upgrades on the I-5 and the expansion of State Route 99 aim to improve traffic flow and safety. These projects include the addition of pedestrian overpasses, better lighting, and more visible crosswalks.
While these projects offer long-term benefits, they also present short-term challenges. During construction, altered traffic patterns and temporary signage can create confusion and increase the risk of accidents. Narrowed lanes and temporary closures can lead to congestion and higher accident rates.
Investments in road maintenance and infrastructure improvements are essential. In 2023, California was allocated over $15 billion in state and federal funds for road maintenance and safety enhancements. These funds address critical areas identified by traffic safety data, such as upgrading aging infrastructure and enhancing road safety features.
