The United States experienced the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in over four decades, with 7,508 people killed by vehicles in 2022, according to a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). According to NBC, the alarming statistics revealed a 77% increase in pedestrian deaths since 2010, highlighting a concerning trend. Experts have identified several factors contributing to this rise, including reckless driving, the surge in sales of larger vehicles, and inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians.
Pam Shadel Fischer, senior director of external engagement at the GHSA, described the situation as a "crisis" in pedestrian safety. She expressed concerns that the focus on enhancing vehicle safety has overshadowed the urgency of addressing pedestrian safety.
Reckless Driving Surge: Pandemic-Fueled Habits Contribute to Pedestrian Fatalities
Reckless driving habits, including speeding and distracted driving, have become more prevalent during the pandemic. Drivers took advantage of reduced road congestion and decreased law enforcement presence, leading to an increase in dangerous driving behaviors. Even with the resumption of normal commuting patterns, these trends have not subsided. In 2021, speeding played a role in 8% of pedestrian deaths, compared to 6% to 7% before the pandemic. The risk of death for pedestrians hit by a car traveling at 58 miles per hour is 90%, while it drops to 10% at 23 mph.
The use of mobile phones while driving has also contributed to pedestrian fatalities. Though it is challenging to measure the exact percentage of accidents caused by distracted driving, experts believe that the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media apps has amplified the problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that distracted driving resulted in 3,522 deaths in 2021.
The increase in pedestrian deaths can also be attributed to the surge in sales of larger and more dangerous vehicles. Over the years, the share of SUVs has risen significantly, from 3% in 1983 to 57% in 2022, while the proportion of passenger cars has declined from 80% to 27% during the same period. SUVs and trucks pose a greater risk to pedestrians due to their taller profiles, resulting in more severe injuries in collisions. Although newer vehicles come equipped with crash-prevention technology, it will take time for the majority of vehicles on the road to have these safety features, as the average age of a vehicle is about 12 years.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Suburban Roads Ill-Equipped for Pedestrian Safety
Moreover, pedestrian fatalities are disproportionately concentrated on arterial roads, especially in suburban areas. As people have moved to the suburbs, the inadequacies of urban and suburban road designs have become apparent. Arterial roads, designed to handle high traffic volumes, often lack proper sidewalks and crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to walk alongside busy thoroughfares. The GHSA report revealed that 69% of pedestrian fatalities in 2021 occurred on roads without sidewalks, compared to 59% in 2017. Insufficient infrastructure and limited access to cars in lower-income communities further exacerbate the risk for pedestrians.
Additionally, communities that have historically been redlined, primarily comprising Black and Hispanic populations, experience higher rates of pedestrian fatalities. These areas were neglected in terms of safety and functionality during their development, creating an increased risk of death and injury for pedestrians.
The rise in pedestrian deaths in the United States necessitates immediate action to address this pressing issue. Efforts should focus on promoting responsible driving behaviors, improving infrastructure to prioritize pedestrian safety, and addressing systemic inequalities that contribute to higher risks for certain communities. By adopting a comprehensive approach, it is possible to reverse this troubling trend and create safer environments for pedestrians nationwide.
