New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals concerning trends in pedestrian fatalities in the U.S., which have soared by over 80% in the past 15 years. There have been 7,522 fatalities nationally in 2022, after reaching a historic low of 4,109 fatalities in 2009.
Almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths has occurred on urban arterial roads, after dark. These busy roads are typically built to quickly move a lot of traffic in urban and suburban areas while still allowing access to local streets. This means pedestrians and vehicles often share congested roads that are not always well-lit or have appropriate sidewalks, crosswalks or traffic signals.
Researchers uncovered that a disproportionate number of these pedestrian deaths occurred in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Many residents in these areas depend heavily on walking, especially to reach public transportation. Cities and suburbs continue to grapple with several challenges when it comes to implementing the necessary infrastructure upgrades needed to make roads safer in these communities. AAA urges planners, public health professionals, legislators and traffic safety practitioners to work together to reverse these deadly trends.
The study also identified several interconnected factors in these crashes, including a lack of safe crossing locations, high pedestrian crossing volumes and poorly lit roads without continuous sidewalks.
“Reducing the spike in pedestrian deaths requires data-driven investments made where they can have maximum impact,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Drivers and pedestrians alike must behave appropriately on the road. But, to truly move the needle on safety, policymakers must invest in road improvements in communities where a disproportionate number of pedestrians are hit and killed.”
AAA recommends a Safe System approach, which considers the need to address both human and infrastructure factors, reducing crash severity through safer roads, vehicles, speeds and road users.
AAA reminds drivers to do their part as well:
- Rember to stay alert. Engaging in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol significantly increases the risk of a collision. Follow speed limits, keep your smartphone out of reach and only drive when sober.
- Do not rely on pedestrian detection systems to prevent a crash. This technology should only serve as a backup, not a replacement for an engaged driver.
- Drive with extra caution at night, as this is the riskiest time for pedestrians and when vehicle safety systems struggle the most.
Drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians, but those traveling on foot should also be vigilant. Pedestrians should use caution by staying on sidewalks and using crosswalks as often as possible. Always obey traffic signals, look both ways before crossing the street and do not walk and text.
Read the full report here.
2 Thoughts on “Pedestrian Safety Crisis Worsens as Fatalities Rise ”
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Pedestrians in CT have always had the right of way, to the best of my knowledge. Recent laws and publicity have made this better known to pedestrians, who walk anywhere they want, some not paying attention to anything at all. Add in the ‘smart’ phone, and wow. At night, current dressing styles are all black (looks sharp) that blends in to the background nicely. It is no wonder that accidents and fatalities are up. Surprising to me that they are not up even higher.
Way back when I was a child in the 1950s, the real rule of thumb from my parents was ‘look both ways, be careful, you will be just as dead if you are dead right as if you are dead wrong’. I am still around and enjoying life.
And driving, except for the damn LED headlights. Best lighting system from Detroit and the Fed DOT was the four light system that became legal in the 1958 model year. Plenty of light for legal speeds and out of oncoming driver’s eyes if properly aimed. LEDs are way too concentrated and are not nice on hilly/curvy roads.
Jesse
PS Tesla cares as much as Musk does, look at his current care about people in the government and the people needing government help.
The Tesla cyber truck is particularly dangerous for pedestrians. It’s enhineer to be a killing machine.