In the previous year, over 7,500 individuals lost their lives due to pedestrian accidents on U.S. roads, marking the highest number of pedestrian deaths in over forty years, as per a recent report. The Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), a non-profit organization representing state and territorial highway safety offices, estimated that 7,508 pedestrians were killed in traffic incidents in 2022 – the highest since 1981 and a 1% increase from the previous year. This projection is based on preliminary data from 49 states and Washington, D.C. GHSA highlighted that the actual number could be even higher as Oklahoma did not provide data to the organization, despite averaging 92 pedestrian fatalities annually.
States like Arizona, Virginia, and Oregon reported a significant rise in pedestrian deaths from 2021 to 2022, contributing to the overall 1% increase, according to GHSA. The data indicated that 22 states witnessed an increase in pedestrian fatalities last year, while 26 states and D.C. observed a decrease. Rhode Island was the sole state to report an unchanged figure.
The report also delved into the 2021 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to offer additional insights into the circumstances surrounding pedestrian fatalities. NHTSA discovered that speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors surged during the pandemic and persisted into 2021. Speeding was cited as a contributing factor in 29% of all fatalities in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, alcohol-related traffic deaths reported by law enforcement rose by 5% from 2020 to 2021, following a notable 14% increase in 2020, likely linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, GHSA found that 30.5% of pedestrians aged 16 or older who died in car accidents had a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.08 or higher.
The majority of vehicle-related fatalities occurred at night and in areas with artificial lighting, as highlighted in the report. GHSA and NHTSA revealed that 40% of pedestrian deaths involved a pickup truck or SUV, while 35% were associated with a small car. Following the release of this data, NHTSA Chief Counsel Ann Carlson proposed a mandate that heavy vehicles be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end collisions. Carlson emphasized the potential of advanced driver assistance systems like AEB to save lives, stating that this initiative is a crucial step towards enhancing road safety and preventing avoidable tragedies.
US Pedestrian Deaths in 2022 Highest Number in More Than 40 Years: Report
Overview
In a recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was revealed that the number of pedestrian deaths in the US in 2022 has reached the highest level seen in over 40 years. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action to address pedestrian safety.
Key Findings
- The NHTSA report indicates that there were over 7,000 pedestrian deaths in the US in 2022, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.
- This spike in pedestrian fatalities represents a 10% rise from the previous year and is the highest number recorded since the 1970s.
- Notably, the report also highlights that a majority of pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas and during nighttime hours, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and safety measures.
Factors Contributing to the Increase
Several factors have been identified as contributing to the rise in pedestrian deaths in 2022, including:
- Distracted Driving: The prevalence of distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while behind the wheel, has been a significant factor in pedestrian accidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding by motorists has been linked to a higher likelihood of pedestrian fatalities in the event of a collision.
- Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as lack of sidewalks or crosswalks, can contribute to unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
Practical Tips for Pedestrian Safety
With the rise in pedestrian deaths, it is crucial for both pedestrians and drivers to take steps to improve safety on the roads. Here are some practical tips for pedestrian safety:
- Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night, to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Always use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals when crossing the street.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music when walking near traffic.
Infographic: Pedestrian Deaths in the US (2022)
| Year | Number of Pedestrian Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 6,500 |
| 2021 | 6,800 |
| 2022 | 7,200 |
Conclusion
The increase in pedestrian deaths in the US in 2022 is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention and action. By raising awareness about pedestrian safety and implementing practical measures to improve road conditions, we can work towards reducing the number of fatalities and creating safer streets for all.
