Pedestrian Accidents Are Rising—Here’s What To Know

In recent years, the number of people struck or killed while walking has climbed to alarming levels, returning road-death statistics to an era many thought long gone. While overall traffic fatalities have plateaued or begun to fall slightly, pedestrian deaths and injuries tell a different story. And this should concern you if you walk along urban streets or share them with vehicles.  

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,314 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2023, and over 68,000 were injured nationwide. It’s clear: walking, which is one of our most basic modes of travel, is no longer as safe as many assume. (1) 

Recognize the Trends and Risks 

You should understand what’s driving this increase so you can protect yourself. One of the key elements in these rising numbers is the set of most common causes of pedestrian accidents, such as vehicle speed, distracted driving, insufficient lighting, and road design that privileges cars over people on foot.  

For example, the CDC reports that from 2013 to 2022, pedestrian death rates in the U.S. climbed by 50 %, while overall road-traffic death rates rose by about 22.5 %. (2) 

Much of the risk is concentrated in urban areas, where pedestrian activity is higher (60% in 2021). Urban roads with more lanes, higher posted speeds, and fewer safe crossings show up repeatedly in fatal-crash analyses. Also, many of these fatal crashes happen in darkness (for instance, 76 % of pedestrian fatalities in one period occurred while it was dark) and at non-intersection locations where walking infrastructure may be weaker. (3) (4) 

Understand How Driver Behavior Factors In 

As you walk, the behavior of nearby drivers can make a life-or-death difference. One of the most critical factors is vehicle speed. The risk of serious injury or death increases sharply with every mile per hour added. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react, braking distances extend, and the force of impact becomes far deadlier.  

Another driver-behavior issue is distracted or impaired driving. Alcohol involvement plays a part in nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes in some datasets. When drivers fail to notice pedestrians, especially in dim light or at complex crossings, the risk grows. (5) 

Plus, vehicle size and design matter: heavier vehicles and higher hoods (common in large SUVs and trucks) are linked with more serious pedestrian injuries. As you walk, you’re sharing space with a system increasingly optimized for faster, larger vehicles, so the margin for error for pedestrians becomes smaller. 

Evaluate Infrastructure and Road Design 

It’s not just about drivers and pedestrian behavior. The physical design of roads and the presence (or absence) of safe walking environments play a crucial role. Many fatal pedestrian crashes and car accidents occur on roads where crossing means navigating five or more lanes, posted speeds of 30 mph or higher, and traffic volumes above 25,000 vehicles a day.  

Roads with minimal pedestrian infrastructure such as lack of sidewalks, inadequate lighting, few safe crosswalks, amplify risk. The absence of sidewalks alone more than doubles the crash-risk for non-motorized users. 

As you walk in built environments, take stock: are there visible crosswalks, functioning traffic signals, adequate lighting? Are you crossing at uncontrolled mid-block areas where drivers might not expect foot traffic? Many pedestrian-vehicle collisions happen outside signalized intersections for exactly this reason. 

Manage Your Own Walking Practices 

While you can’t control every driver or the infrastructure, you can adopt safer habits on foot. Walk in well-lit areas, wear clothing that is visible (especially at night), use marked crosswalks where available, and avoid distractions like mobile devices while crossing. Assume a driver might not see you, and prepare accordingly. 

Also, treat traffic signals and pedestrian-crossing rules seriously. Following traffic signals and being predictable to drivers reduces risk. If you’re walking in busy urban areas or across multi-lane roads, pause and ensure that vehicles fully stop, even if you have the right of way. That extra moment can help you avoid a collision. 

Know Your Legal And Post-Crash Options

If you’re involved in a pedestrian-vehicle crash, you’ll likely face serious consequences: medical bills, potential long-term injury, and, if you’re eligible, the option for an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit.

Familiarizing yourself with pedestrian laws, traffic law enforcement practices, statute of limitations, and contributory negligence rules (which may reduce your recoverable compensation if you share fault) is wise. For example, some jurisdictions treat pedestrian-right-of-way violations or willful driver negligence differently under the law.

Given that pedestrian injuries and fatalities are rising, you should be aware of your rights, whether the crash happened at a crosswalk, under failing traffic signals, or due to a negligent driver. Keeping records of medical treatment, gathering witness details, and promptly contacting a qualified professional can help protect your interests.

The rise in pedestrian accidents signals a warning: walking is no longer an automatically safe choice. By recognizing the elevated risks, especially in urban settings, at night, and on faster roads, you can make smarter decisions when you’re on foot. Dressing visibly, using green crossings, minimizing distractions, and understanding your rights if the worst happens, gives you real power. It’s time to treat walking not as a given, but as a moment that deserves your full attention and caution. 

References: 

1. “Pedestrian Safety”, Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety 

2. “Pedestrian and Overall Road Traffic Crash Deaths — United States and 27 Other High-Income Countries, 2013–2022”, Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7408a2.htm  

3. “Pedestrian Safety”, Source: https://www.cdc.gov/pedestrian-bike-safety/about/pedestrian-safety.html  

4. “Countermeasures That Work Pedestrian Safety”, Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/pedestrian-safety  

5. “Pedestrians”, Source: https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/pedestrians/data-details/