New GHSA Report - Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2019 Preliminary Data

March 2, 2020

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. during the 10-yearCover Page of new GHSA report period from 2009 to 2018 has increased by 53% (from 4,109 deaths in 2009 to 6,283 deaths in 2018). At the same time, while walking has become riskier, the number of all other traffic fatalities has increased by only 2%. A new report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), "Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2019 Preliminary Data" examines this and offers a first look at state and national trends in 2019 pedestrian deaths. 

The report projects a 5% increase in the number of pedestrian deaths from 2018 - an increase to 6,590 pedestrians killed on U.S. roads in 2019, the highest number in more than 30 years. GHSA notes that "the report examines a number of factors that may be influencing the rise in pedestrian deaths, including the need for safer road crossings, unsafe driving behaviors, the increased presence of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and the tremendous growth of smartphone use, which is a significant source of distracted driving. The report additionally discusses comprehensive infrastructural, educational and enforcement approaches to reducing pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes."  Download the report

Report Highlights

  • Early estimates of 2019 pedestrian fatality data
  • 2018 pedestrian fatality data
  • What about cities?
  • Efforts to reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries
  • What states are doing to improve pedestrian safety


Authored by Richard Retting of Sam Schwartz Consulting, the report is available for download here.