Pedestrian Fatality Rates in the U.S.

SOURCE npr.org
Pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. declined by 4% in the first half of last year but are still far above 2019 levels. Various states saw drops and increases in pedestrian deaths, with the Sun Belt states having higher rates. Safety measures like Vision Zero and efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation are helping to address the issue.

Key Points

  • Pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. declined by 4% in the first half of last year
  • Various states experienced drops and increases in pedestrian deaths
  • Cities and states are adopting pedestrian safety measures like Vision Zero
  • Efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian safety
  • Vehicles with higher front ends and blunt profiles are more likely to cause fatalities in crashes with pedestrians

Pros

  • Decline in pedestrian fatalities in the first half of last year
  • Adoption of pedestrian safety measures by cities and states
  • Efforts by the U.S. Department of Transportation to address pedestrian safety

Cons

  • Pedestrian fatality numbers still far above 2019 levels
  • Some states saw increases in pedestrian fatalities