USA: Pedestrian fatalities at a 40-year high says new study

Between 2010 and 2021, pedestrian fatalities rose by a staggering 77%, compared to 25% for other road users.

According to a media report, the pedestrian fatality rate in the USA is on the rise. A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) - a non-profit representing states' safety offices reported that the pedestrian fatality rate of 2022 was the highest it's been in the USA since 1981.

The organisation projected that 7,508 people were killed while walking near America's roads. This is the highest figure recorded in the last 41 years. The study also states that the 2022 figure is 19% higher than in 2019, which recorded 6,324 pedestrian fatalities.

Fatalities for motorists & pedestrian deaths rose during the coronavirus pandemic. However, while the number of motorist fatalities started coming down, pedestrian deaths seem to have levelled out, if not rising. The study also reports that between 2010 and 2021, pedestrian fatalities rose by a staggering 77%, compared to 25% for other road users.

The states of New Mexico and Arizona are said to be the most dangerous, with the rate of fatalities at 4.4 and 4.17 per 1,00,000 people in 2022. However, states like Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota were ranked the safest despite the cold weather.

Reports also state that America is an outlier with a rising rate of pedestrian fatalities, as most other developed nations have done more to reduce the figures. The study shows that America's usage of large trucks and SUVs maybe a particular cause of concern. GHSA stated that an SUV or pickup truck was the striking vehicle in 40% of the pedestrian deaths, compared to passenger cars which accounted for 35%.

Source: CarScoops