Traffic Fatalities Involving Pedestrians: Understanding the Rise and Prevention Strategies

The rise in traffic fatalities involving pedestrians is a deeply concerning trend. In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. marking a 40-year high. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to understand the factors contributing to these incidents and implement effective prevention strategies. This article delves into the causes behind this increase and explores measures that can be taken by drivers, pedestrians, and communities to enhance safety and reduce the number of tragic accidents.

The Alarming Increase in Pedestrian Fatalities

Over the past decade, pedestrian fatalities have surged dramatically. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian deaths have risen nearly seven times faster than the U.S. population growth between 2014 and 2024. While preliminary data indicates a slight decrease in the first half of 2024, the overall numbers remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. This increase highlights a critical safety crisis that demands immediate attention and comprehensive solutions.

Factors Contributing to the Rise

Several factors contribute to the increase in traffic fatalities involving pedestrians. Understanding these elements is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies:

Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice pedestrians crossing the road. The CDC reports that thousands of people are killed each year due to distracted driving, with a significant portion involving pedestrians.
Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of injuries in the event of a collision. A pedestrian hit by a car going 20 mph has a 90% survival rate, but at 40 mph, that number plummets to 20%.
Driving Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and slows reaction times, making it more difficult for drivers to avoid hitting pedestrians. The CDC notes that alcohol was involved for the driver and/or pedestrian in nearly half of crashes resulting in a pedestrian death in 2022.
Poor Visibility: Low visibility due to weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow increases the chances of accidents. Walking at night without reflective clothing also makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
Larger Vehicles: The increasing popularity of SUVs and trucks contributes to pedestrian fatalities due to their greater body weight and larger profile, which can cause more harm to pedestrians in a collision.
Roadway Design: Inadequate infrastructure, such as the absence of sidewalks, poorly designed intersections, and insufficient lighting, can significantly increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Distracted Walking: Pedestrians who are distracted by their cell phones or other electronic devices may be less aware of their surroundings and more likely to step into the path of a vehicle.
Failure to Yield: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.

Prevention Strategies for Drivers

Drivers play a crucial role in preventing pedestrian accidents. By adopting safe driving habits and remaining vigilant, motorists can significantly reduce the risk of collisions:

Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Focus on driving and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
Obey Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits and reduce speed in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and residential neighborhoods.
Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Be prepared to stop when approaching a crosswalk, and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
Exercise Caution in Low Visibility: Slow down and use extra caution at night or in bad weather, as pedestrians can be harder to see.
Be Mindful of Pedestrians When Turning: Look out for pedestrians when turning left or right, especially at intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Never Drive Under the Influence: Refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as these substances impair judgment and slow reaction times.
Be Extra Cautious Near School Buses: Drivers should stop at least 20 feet from the bus in either direction. After the lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts, drivers should remain cautious and watch for children crossing the road.

Prevention Strategies for Pedestrians

Pedestrians also have a responsibility to ensure their safety by following traffic laws and taking precautions:

Use Sidewalks: Always walk on sidewalks when they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Cross at Crosswalks: Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
Obey Traffic Signals: Pay attention to traffic signals and only cross when the “walk” signal is displayed.
Look Before Crossing: Before crossing the street, look left, right, and left again to ensure that no vehicles are approaching.
Make Eye Contact: Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before crossing the street.
Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using cell phones or other electronic devices while walking near roadways.
Wear Reflective Clothing: Wear bright or light-colored clothing and reflective materials, especially when walking at night.
Carry a Flashlight: Carry a flashlight when walking at night to increase visibility.
Be Cautious Near Parked Cars: Drivers may not see you when you step out from between parked vehicles. Always look for oncoming traffic before crossing.

Community and Infrastructure Improvements

In addition to individual actions, community and infrastructure improvements are essential for enhancing pedestrian safety:

Well-Maintained Sidewalks: Ensure that sidewalks are well-maintained and provide safe pathways for pedestrians, separated from vehicular traffic.
Clearly Marked Crosswalks and Pedestrian Signals: Install clearly marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals at busy intersections and school zones.
Pedestrian Bridges and Tunnels: Construct pedestrian bridges or tunnels to allow safe crossings of busy roads and highways.
Adequate Lighting: Ensure that streets and crosswalks are well-lit, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Traffic Calming Measures: Implement traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, raised crosswalks, and narrower lanes to reduce vehicle speeds and create safer pedestrian environments.
Enforcement of Traffic Laws: Increase traffic enforcement to deter speeding, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors that put pedestrians at risk.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate drivers and pedestrians about traffic safety and promote responsible behavior.

Legal Rights and Remedies for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Pedestrians who are injured in traffic accidents due to the negligence of drivers have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. Depending on the jurisdiction, injured pedestrians can be liable under a doctrine called contributory negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help pedestrian accident victims understand their rights and pursue legal remedies, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost wages and future earning capacity if the accident results in the victim’s inability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain experienced due to the accident, including mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death Damages: In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian fatality, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Conclusion

Traffic fatalities involving pedestrians are a serious and growing problem that requires a multifaceted approach to address. By understanding the factors contributing to these incidents and implementing effective prevention strategies, we can create safer streets for pedestrians and reduce the number of tragic accidents. It is the shared responsibility of drivers, pedestrians, and communities to prioritize safety and work together to protect vulnerable road users.