Why Are So Many Pedestrians Getting Killed on U.S. Roads?

At some point this week, you’ll probably be classified as a pedestrian while walking, jogging or bicycling. According to the citizen advocacy group Smart Growth America [1], between 2008 and 2017 over 49,000 pedestrians were killed by motorists while using U.S. roadways. Based on statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) [2] more than 6,200 pedestrians died in motor vehicle-related accidents in 2018 alone- the highest number in 30 years. Why is this happening and how can we keep pedestrians safer?   

Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians

Smart Growth America’s troubling statistics were derived from data compiled by the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Smart Growth America then used that information to create Pedestrian Danger Index (PDI) tables which they then published in a recent article entitledDangerous by Design 2019 [3].

Based on annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents from 2008 to 2017, these were the 10 most dangerous states for pedestrians:

• Florida (most dangerous)
• Alabama
• Delaware
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Georgia
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Arizona
• South Carolina

Why Are Pedestrians at Risk?

Why are so many pedestrians getting struck and killed? Smart Growth America believes this alarming trend is due mainly to municipalities prioritizing faster speed limits and bigger highways over more pedestrian-friendly street designs. Specifically, they identify the need to add safety features for pedestrians, like overpass walkways and designated bicycle paths.

Looking at another angle, the NHTSA is quick to point out that a driver is more likely to hit a pedestrian when engaging in these irresponsible behaviors:

• Distracted driving, like texting, eating, applying makeup or talking on their phone
• Reckless driving, including speeding, not using turn signals and changing lanes quickly
• Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
• Disregarding poor traffic conditions like construction zones or traffic congestion
• Not adjusting for poor weather conditions, like snow, ice, rain and fog
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Whether you are jogging, bicycling, or just walking to your car after work, here are some ways to protect yourself:

• Use a sidewalk or designated path whenever possible.
• When one isn’t available, use the shoulder and always face oncoming traffic.
• Don’t let distractions like mobile devices keep your eyes off the road.
• Never assume that a driver can see you, especially at night. Always wear bright clothing. In poor visibility conditions, use lights and wear reflective clothes.
• Be predictable. That means crossing streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
• Stay in well-lit areas when it’s dark or overcast.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking or bicycling, as they can impair your judgement and coordination.

Precautions for Drivers

Here’s how to be a more responsible driver when sharing the road with pedestrians:

• Watch for pedestrians at-all-times, especially in parking lots and school zones.
• Adjust your speed and be extra cautious when driving in hard-to-see conditions, like bad weather or at nighttime.
• When approaching a crosswalk with pedestrians around, slow down and always come to a complete stop before turning.
• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or on the shoulder. Stop well back of the crosswalk so that other motorists will also see pedestrians.
• Never pass another vehicle that’s stopped for a crosswalk.
• Follow posted speed limits, notably when there are pedestrians present or in school zones and neighborhoods.
• Be extra careful when backing up, for example in a parking lot, because pedestrians can quickly move into your path.

Carwise Asks All Drivers & Pedestrians to Be Responsible  

Your friends at Carwise encourage all drivers and pedestrians to be more responsible when sharing the road so that we can eliminate pedestrian accidents. When your car has been involved in a fender bender with another vehicle or stationary object, you can promptly find a reliable auto body or glass repair shop nearby by using the nationwide Carwise referral network. All shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE-certified, which means they have the top-quality services, technicians and equipment needed to promptly restore your vehicle like new again.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com. 

References:

1. www.smartgrowthamerica.org
2. Report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Traffic Safety Facts: Pedestrians; March 2019; www.nhtsa.gov
3. Dangerous by Design 2019; https://smartgrowthamerica.org/tag/dangerous-by-design/