The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has released their latest annual spotlight report, "Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data (January - December)" that provides an indepth overview of state and national trends in pedestrian traffic fatalities for 2024. Based on preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs), the GHSA found that drivers struck and killed 7,148 people walking in the United States last year, which is down 4.3% from 2023, and the second annual decrease. Even so, pedestrian fatalities have risen more than 19% over the past eight years.
“The second straight year of fewer pedestrian deaths is a step in the right direction, but much more must be done to protect people walking,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “Now is the time to double down on what works – more and better infrastructure, enforcement to deter dangerous driving behaviors, engaged and informed communities, and vehicles designed to protect people on foot. An all-in strategy to address pedestrian safety will help us build on this recent momentum and save even more lives.”
Report Highlights
The report provides an analysis of 2024 pedestrian fatality data by state, highlights key changes over time, and provides a brief overview of potential solutions.
Key findings and trends included:
- Pedestrian deaths are increasing at a rate far faster than overall traffic fatalities. Between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths rose a staggering 80%, while all other traffic fatalities increased 13%.
- One in four pedestrian deaths (25%) is the result of a hit-and-run crash. In these fatal hit-and-runs, the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was the fleeing vehicle the vast majority (94%) of the time.
- The share of pedestrian deaths caused by SUVs and pickups has surged in recent years. Light trucks accounted for 54% of pedestrian fatalities where a vehicle type was known in 2023, compared to 37% for passenger cars.
- More than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. The share of nighttime deaths has skyrocketed recently. Fatal pedestrian crashes at night rose 84% between 2010 and 2023, compared to a 28% increase in daytime fatalities.
- Nearly two-thirds (65%) of pedestrian deaths occurred in locations without a sidewalk in 2023. Sidewalks can help protect people walking by providing a physical separation between them and motor vehicle traffic, but they are missing or in poor condition in many parts of the country.
Download the full report and visit the report webpage for additional resources and report infographics.