Understanding Pedestrian Accidents and Rising Fatality Rates

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents and Rising Fatality Rates

Pedestrian accidents and fatalities have been on the rise across the United States in recent years, presenting a growing public health concern. While traffic safety campaigns and urban planning efforts have aimed to reduce these incidents, the number of pedestrian fatalities continues to increase. This blog explores the statistics behind pedestrian accidents, the contributing factors to rising fatality rates, and what can be done to make roads safer for everyone.

The Alarming Statistics of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents have become a serious issue, especially in urban areas. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were approximately 7,485 pedestrian deaths in 2021, representing a 40-year high for such fatalities in the U.S. These figures mark a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the ongoing challenges cities face in reducing pedestrian injuries and deaths​. Pedestrians are now at a higher risk than ever before, with accident rates increasing faster than overall traffic deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also reported that pedestrian fatalities now account for 17% of all traffic deaths, up from 13% a decade ago. This rise is even more concerning when considering that overall traffic fatalities have not grown as rapidly as pedestrian deaths, indicating that pedestrians are increasingly vulnerable compared to other road users.

Factors Contributing to the Rise in Pedestrian Accidents

Several factors contribute to the rise in pedestrian accidents and fatalities. Understanding these factors can help in the development of effective prevention strategies:

1. Increased Vehicle Speed: Speeding remains one of the top contributors to pedestrian accidents. The higher the vehicle speed, the more likely a pedestrian will suffer severe injuries or death if struck. Studies have shown that a pedestrian hit by a car traveling at 40 mph has an 85% chance of being killed, compared to just 5% if the car is moving at 20 mph . As vehicle speeds increase in urban and suburban areas, so do the risks for pedestrians.
2. Distracted Driving: The use of smartphones and other in-car technologies has dramatically increased distractions for drivers. Drivers who are distracted by texting, phone calls, or navigation systems are less likely to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or on the roadside, leading to accidents. Similarly, distracted walking—when pedestrians are engaged with their phones or not paying attention to traffic—also contributes to these accidents.
3. Unsafe Road Designs: Many streets and intersections are designed primarily for vehicle traffic, with little consideration for pedestrians. Poorly marked crosswalks, wide lanes that encourage speeding, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure all contribute to the high rates of pedestrian accidents. Inadequate lighting, in particular, poses a significant risk for pedestrians at night, as a large percentage of pedestrian accidents occur during low-light conditions.
4. Urbanization and Population Growth: As cities grow and more people move to urban areas, the number of pedestrians on the streets increases. With more foot traffic, the potential for accidents rises. Urban areas are particularly dangerous for pedestrians, accounting for over 80% of pedestrian fatalities​. The combination of dense traffic, busy intersections, and a high number of pedestrians creates a hazardous environment where accidents are more likely.
5. Alcohol and Substance Use: Both drivers and pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs contribute to the rising rates of pedestrian accidents. The NHTSA reports that alcohol involvement—either by the driver or the pedestrian—was involved in nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents . Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions, while intoxicated pedestrians may walk into traffic or fail to use crosswalks properly.

Demographics and Vulnerable Groups

Certain demographic groups are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents than others. Older adults and children are particularly at risk due to their physical limitations and lack of experience in navigating traffic safely. People aged 65 and older accounted for 20% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2020 . Children, especially those under the age of 15, are also highly susceptible to accidents, particularly near schools and playgrounds where traffic is heavy and unpredictable.

In addition to age, racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by pedestrian accidents. A study by Smart Growth America found that Black and Hispanic pedestrians are more likely to be killed in accidents than their white counterparts. This disparity is linked to the fact that minority populations often live in areas with poorly designed infrastructure and fewer pedestrian safety features.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents and Fatalities

Reducing pedestrian accidents and fatalities requires a combination of urban planning, law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. Some effective strategies include:

1. Improved Road Design: Cities can reduce pedestrian accidents by designing roads that prioritize pedestrian safety. This includes narrowing traffic lanes to slow down vehicles, adding more pedestrian crossings, improving street lighting, and building sidewalks where none exist. Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as raised crosswalks and pedestrian refuge islands, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
2. Speed Limit Enforcement: Enforcing lower speed limits in high pedestrian traffic areas can save lives. Many cities are adopting “Vision Zero” policies, which aim to eliminate all traffic fatalities by reducing vehicle speeds and improving road safety features. Automated speed enforcement, such as speed cameras, can also help deter drivers from speeding in pedestrian-heavy zones.
3. Technology Solutions: Advanced technologies, such as pedestrian detection systems and automatic emergency braking, are becoming standard in many newer vehicles. These systems can help prevent accidents by detecting pedestrians in the vehicle’s path and automatically applying the brakes if the driver does not respond in time. As these technologies become more widespread, they have the potential to reduce the frequency of pedestrian accidents.
4. Public Awareness and Education: Public campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and walking can also help reduce accidents. Both drivers and pedestrians need to be educated on the importance of paying attention to their surroundings, using crosswalks, and obeying traffic signals. Educational programs aimed at children and older adults can help these vulnerable groups navigate traffic more safely.
5. Increased Law Enforcement: Strict enforcement of traffic laws, including penalizing distracted driving and jaywalking, can help reduce accidents. Police can also target areas with high pedestrian traffic and accident rates for enhanced monitoring and intervention.

Dealing with Increased Pedestrian Accidents and Fatalities

Pedestrian accidents and fatalities are an increasing problem in the United States, with various factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and poor road design contributing to the rise. Vulnerable populations, including older adults, children, and minorities, are particularly at risk. However, through better urban planning, enhanced technology, and focused public awareness efforts, these accidents can be prevented. It is essential that both drivers and pedestrians take responsibility for road safety to ensure that fatal accidents do not continue to climb in the coming years.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the experienced Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates.  With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we are ready to help you navigate your legal options and fight for the compensation you need.