GREENSBORO, N.C. — Pedestrian fatalities in the United States have reached the highest level in 40 years. A new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects nearly 7,500 pedestrians were killed in 2021—an 11.5% jump from 2020.
"That would be the largest number of pedestrians killed in a single year in almost four decades,” says Russ Martin with the GHSA.
Martin says a variety of factors are contributing to such high numbers. "More drivers out of the roadways continuing to engage in dangerous driving behaviors, whether it be speeding or impaired driving or lack of restraint."
The kinds of vehicles on the roads also contribute to the problem.
"We see an increase in the number of larger vehicles that are being sold and that are out there on the roadways,” Martin says. “SUVs, pickup trucks - larger vehicles that pose a greater risk of pedestrians."
Pedestrian fatalities are projected to have increased in 37 states and Washington, DC. They remain unchanged in three states and decreased in only ten states.
70-year-old Adolph Lyons was one of those victims. He was hit and killed by a truck as he walked in a crosswalk in Los Angeles earlier this year. Police say Lyons did everything right - he waited at the crosswalk and he had the right of way.
The report also shows that since 2018 the percentage of pedestrian fatalities among children younger than 15, where speeding was a factor, more than doubled—with most of those accidents occurring during weekdays.
“Clearly, there is a wide range of experience across the country,” says Martin. “And our next step, as the as a community ought to be to figure out exactly what some states and communities and cities are doing right."
Two states, Connecticut (14%) and North Carolina (11%), posted double-digit fatality reductions in 2021.
Martin says prioritizing transportation infrastructure and reduced speed limits are two ways to protect pedestrians and improve safety for all.
Correspondent: Danya Bacchus/Producer: Lisa Farrell