PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES

According to Governors Highway Safety Association data, in 2024 there were over 7,100 pedestrian fatalities in the U.S., nearly 20 per day. That’s a staggering 48% increase from 2014 and seven times the rate of population growth over that span.

There are multiple reasons for this disturbing trend. Distracted driving has become a huge problem over the past 15 years. One 2022 study found that the average driver spends about two minutes per hour interacting with people on their phones — menacing motorists and pedestrians alike.   Many roadways have been designed to move as much volume as quickly as possible, sometimes at the expense of pedestrians. In addition, since at least 2015, traffic enforcement by police has declined significantly due to staff shortages and public protests against how traffic stops are sometimes conducted. Some major cities report drop-offs in traffic stops in the 75%–90% range.

Vehicle size/weight is a major issue, too. In 1975, 81% of U.S. vehicle production was comprised of cars (sedans/wagons). Currently, that percentage is roughly 25%. The bulk of the remaining 75% is SUVs, truck-based SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans. Their added size elevates the force of impact, and heightened bumpers means pedestrians are struck in the torso, knocked down, and frequently run over. A car strike to the legs, although damaging, often flips a person onto the hood instead — much more survivable.

Many communities lack safety infrastructure for pedestrians, such as sidewalks, marked crosswalks, adequate lighting, and pedestrian hybrid beacons. Sometimes pedestrians jaywalk or wrongly assume they have the right of way at marked crosswalks, which can be deadly.

If you are injured due to someone’s negligence, contact our firm for skilled and thoughtful representation.