New Mexico And Florida Most Deadly States For Pedestrians [Infographic]

New Mexico and Florida are the most dangerous states for pedestrians in the U.S., according to a report by NGO Smart Growth America. The two U.S. metro areas with the highest average rates of pedestrian deaths are also located in these states. South Carolina, with the top 5 most dangerous metro to pedestrians, is the only other state that counted an annual average of more than 3 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 of population between 2016 and 2020.

The data shows that states where pedestrians are most often killed in traffic are typically located in the American South and Southwest. Delaware is the only state not following this pattern and is the fifth most dangerous for pedestrians in the nation at almost 2.9 people per 100,000 inhabitants killed on average in recent years.

According to the source, pedestrian deaths have been climbing steadily in the United States to more than 6,500 people in 2020—up from around 5,500 in 2015. For 2021, the organization’s preliminary estimate assumes that a record 7,300 people have been killed while walking in the country. This is in line with the Governors Highway Safety Associations’ estimate of a 40-year high of pedestrian deaths that year. The trend did not let off in the first half of 2022, the latest point in time for which data exists.

Smart Growth America identifies design flaws in America’s roadways as the main reason why pedestrians are in danger while walking and why the number of deaths is increasing. Very straight and wide roads lead to motorists traveling at higher speeds, which increases the risk of accidents, especially when coupled with inadequate sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

Low-income and communities of color most at risk

People from low-income communities and communities of color are most likely to die in a pedestrian traffic collision. In the time frame of the study, an average of 4.2 in every 100,000 Native Americans and 3.0 in every 100,000 Black Americans died in such a way every year. In comparison, the average annual death rate in the country was just 1.9 in 100,000 during these years. This is because poorer and marginalized communities most often live close to high-speed roadways and in places with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

When pedestrian deaths rose more quickly during the pandemic, it was also these groups that were most affected. Experts believe that despite a drop in traffic as a result of lockdowns, drivers were more distracted, stressed out and careless during 2020 and 2021. A lack of congestion also facilitated faster travel and the potential for more fatal crashes. While this contributed to pedestrian deaths rising more quickly, it even reversed the trend among all U.S. traffic fatalities—which had been falling previously and hit the highest level since 2007 in 2020.

Danger also lurks after dark

Most other developed nations did not see the same patterns emerge during the pandemic, according to the report, and also see fewer pedestrian fatalities in general. In the United States, the absolute and relative (by miles traveled) number of deaths among people who use cars is still higher than among pedestrians, but pedestrian deaths have risen more consistently. When walking after dark, both methods of transportation become more similarly dangerous, according to a study by the Harvard University School of Public Health.

—

Charted by Statista