New preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows pedestrian fatalities across the United States have declined for a third consecutive year. In 2025, 6,732 people were struck and killed by vehicles, down 7% from 2024. However, that number is still 5% higher than 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Pedestrian fatalities fell in 28 states from 2024 to 2025, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, according to GHSA. Connecticut was among 17 states that saw an increase from 2024. Preliminary data shows there were:
- 65 pedestrian deaths in Connecticut in 2025, up 5% from 2024.
- 220 pedestrian deaths in New York in 2025, down 27% from 2024.
- 178 pedestrian deaths in New Jersey in 2025, down 23% from 2024.
- 76 pedestrian deaths in Massachusetts in 2025, down 3% from 2024.
- Seven pedestrian deaths in Rhode Island in 2025, down 46% from 2024.
“While a continued decline in pedestrian deaths nationwide is promising, vehicles still strike and kill 18 people across the country every day,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Communities must continue to emphasize education, enforcement and improvements to infrastructure to create a safer space for pedestrians and all road users.”
Though U.S. pedestrian deaths have been on the decline, federal crash data shows some troubling trends.
- The proportion of all pedestrian crashes involving a fatality more than doubled from 4% in 2015 to 10% in 2024.
- Larger vehicles continue to grow in popularity — and can be more deadly. Sport
utility-vehicles (SUVs), pickup trucks and vans accounted for more than half of pedestrian fatalities in 2024. - Hit-and-run crashes accounted for 24% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2024.
- Distraction-related pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. In 2024, 22% of pedestrian deaths involved a distracted driver, compared to 16% in 2019. In 2024, 29% of pedestrian deaths involved a distracted pedestrian, compared to 15% in 2019.
2025 Pedestrian Fatalities by AAA Northeast State
Total deaths in 2025 and year-over-year change vs. 2024. Connecticut is the only AAA Northeast state to see an increase.
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), preliminary 2025 pedestrian fatality data, as cited by AAA Northeast. Bar length reflects total 2025 deaths per state; badges show percent change from 2024.
“To ensure those walking get to their destinations safely, we urge drivers to obey the speed limit, ditch distractions and use extra caution, especially at night when most pedestrian deaths occur,” Young said. “We also urge pedestrians to take precautions to protect themselves, including wearing clothing that makes them visible to drivers, using crosswalks and sidewalks when available and staying alert to their surroundings.”
Last updated on July 28, 2026 by AAA Staff
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
