Current:Home > ScamsU.S. pedestrian deaths reach a 40-year high -Elevate Capital Network
U.S. pedestrian deaths reach a 40-year high
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-11 09:48:30
A new study paints a grim picture of American roads: every day, 20 people walk outside and end up killed by a moving vehicle.
"There are more pedestrians being killed today than in decades," Russ Martin, the senior director of policy and government relations at the Governors Highway Safety Association, told NPR.
The organization, which tracks pedestrian deaths in the U.S., estimates that more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed by drivers last year — the highest number since 1981. The final tally may be even greater given that Oklahoma was unable to provide data due to a technical issue.
Pedestrian deaths have been climbing since 2010 because of unsafe infrastructure and the prevalence of SUVs, which tend to be more deadly for pedestrians than smaller cars, according to Martin. When the pandemic arrived, there was an even greater surge as empty roads gave way to speeding and distracted driving.
The pandemic has waned, but cases of reckless driving — and subsequently the number of Americans killed while walking — has not. The new data, released on Friday, shows the U.S. continues to lag in its effort to improve road safety, even as experts say some solutions are within reach.
States below the Sun Belt ranked as having the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in 2022
For the seventh year in a row, New Mexico was ranked as the most dangerous state for pedestrians.
Arizona and Florida were also placed in the top spots for having high rates of pedestrian deaths in GHSA's estimates.
It is not a coincidence that all three states are situated below the country's Sun Belt. Martin said Southern states tend to see more traffic deaths but it is not exactly clear why.
There are multiple theories: in bigger states, communities are more spread out and as a result, people need to drive more to get around, he said. Another possibility is that Southern states have better weather and people spend more time outside.
"This is all just conjecture, but I think it's certainly worthwhile to take a closer look into what's going on in those states," he added.
Local lawmakers can implement traffic calming measures today
Traffic safety has been an uphill battle in the U.S. for years but there are strategies at lawmakers' disposal to address the crisis today, according to Peter Norton, a professor at the University of Virginia who has studied the history of driving in America.
"The best things we can do will take years, but there are some things we can do now, they don't cost much money and they make a big difference," he said.
For instance, implementing sharp corners instead of round curves at the end of roads forces drivers to slow down to turn and therefore prevents speeding. That technique, along with adding pedestrian islands and large sidewalk bulb-outs, is known as "traffic calming."
Norton said installing speeding and red light cameras can also be effective if they work properly. Adding bike lanes can also keep drivers more alert on the road.
Lowering speed limits is also an important step but only if it is enforced and used alongside other safety measures. Norton warned that roads with a mix of different vehicle speeds tend to be more dangerous.
There are also some local and regional measures the GHSA pointed to that could help prevent deaths.
In Hawaii, police officers are stationed in areas that have seen a higher volume of crashes or foot traffic to look out for reckless driving.
And in Idaho, the state's highway safety office gave out walk audits for community members to identify safety concerns on the street. Local officials then use the results to improve the walkability of neighborhoods.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- After exit of Claudine Gay, Bill Ackman paints bull's-eye on diversity programs
- With 'American Fiction,' Jeffrey Wright aims to 'electrify' conversation on race, identity
- FACT FOCUS: Images made to look like court records circulate online amid Epstein document release
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Tia Mowry says her kids aren't interested in pursuing acting: 'I don't see it happening'
- How many national championships has Michigan won? Wolverines title history explained
- New dog breed recognized by American Kennel Club: What to know about the Lancashire Heeler
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- AP Week in Pictures: Latin America and Caribbean
Ranking
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Ailing, 53-year-old female elephant euthanized at Los Angeles Zoo
- New year, new quiz. Can you believe stuff has already happened in 2024?!
- Britney Spears says she will 'never return to the music industry' amid new album rumors
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- 'Elvis Evolution': Elvis Presley is back, as a hologram, in new virtual reality show
- Serbia’s army proposes bringing back the draft as tensions continue to rise in the Balkans
- Southern Charm: What Led to Austen Kroll's Physical Fight With JT Thomas
Recommendation
Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
Airstrike in central Baghdad kills Iran-backed militia leader as regional tensions escalate
Taiwan’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je seeks a middle ground with China, attracting young voters
'The Bear,' 'Iron Claw' star Jeremy Allen White strips down to briefs in Calvin Klein campaign
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
A Colorado funeral home owner accused of abandoning dozens of bodies may be close to leaving jail
Love Is Blind’s Renee Sues Netflix Over “Walking Red Flag” Fiancé Carter
Lululemon founder says brand isn't for everyone: 'You don’t want certain customers coming in'