The US is experiencing a ‘pedestrian safety crisis,’ association says

An estimated 3,434 pedestrians were killed in the first six months of 2022, with 24 states reporting an increase, according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The deaths represent a 5.1% increase from the first half of 2021. After analyzing preliminary data from all 50 states, GHSA says dangerous driving behaviors, larger vehicles and insufficient infrastructure are all contributing to the problem.

“There is a pedestrian safety crisis on our roads, and it’s only gotten worse since the start of the (COVID-19) pandemic,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “A single roadway death is tragic. But it’s absolutely mind-boggling and heartbreaking that drivers are killing an average of 19 pedestrians every single day.

“The only way to reverse this awful trend is to do more of everything that works – more and better designed infrastructure to keep people walking safe, equitable enforcement of traffic safety laws to stop dangerous driving and engaging more communities where the impacts of this crisis are felt the hardest.”

GHSA and the National Safety Council support the Department of Transportation’s Safe System approach to advance pedestrian safety by ensuring safe roads and roadsides, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe users, and post-crash response.