Pedestrian deaths in the United States are surging at a rate not seen in over four decades. In 2022, the country recorded 7,522 pedestrian fatalities, marking the highest number since 1981. As more Americans opt for walking and environmentally conscious travel, this troubling trend highlights an urgent need for change.
A recent study conducted by The Schiller Kessler Group breaks down the most dangerous states and cities for pedestrians and explores the key factors contributing to this national crisis.
Where Are Pedestrian Fatalities Most Common?
According to the study, the following 10 states reported the highest number of pedestrian deaths in 2022:
- California – 1,158 deaths
- Texas – 797 deaths
- Florida – 773 deaths
- Georgia – 345 deaths
- New York – 303 deaths
- Arizona – 295 deaths
- North Carolina – 257 deaths
- Tennessee – 210 deaths
- Illinois – 191 deaths
- Louisiana – 181 deaths
These states tend to have large populations, high-speed roads, and urban development patterns that don’t prioritize pedestrian safety.
Cities With the Highest Urban Pedestrian Deaths
While statewide figures are troubling, major cities are often the epicenters of risk due to traffic density and pedestrian volume. The top cities by number of deaths in 2022 included:
- Los Angeles, CA – 153 deaths
- Phoenix, AZ – 117 deaths
- Houston, TX – 111 deaths
- New York, NY – 110 deaths
- Memphis, TN – 83 deaths
- Dallas, TX – 72 deaths
- San Antonio, TX – 66 deaths
Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing?
1. Vehicle Speed
Speed is a major determinant of fatality severity. A pedestrian hit at 58 mph has a 90% chance of dying, making speed a clear target for prevention efforts.
2. Vehicle Type
Larger vehicles pose greater threats to pedestrians. Fatality data by vehicle type in 2022 shows:
- SUVs, pickups, and vans: 2,945 deaths
- Passenger cars: 2,196 deaths
- Large trucks: 390 deaths
- Buses: 41 deaths
- Other/Unknown: 836 deaths
3. Dangerous Road Designs
Fatal crashes are frequently reported at multi-lane intersections and roads with speed limits between 45–55 mph, especially those near commercial areas with poor pedestrian infrastructure.
4. Alcohol Involvement
Nearly half (48%) of pedestrian deaths involved alcohol—either from the pedestrian (30%) or the driver (18%). Impaired road use continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths.
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Men aged 55–64 were the most common victims: 1,009 deaths
- Other high-risk male age groups:
- 35–44: 986 deaths
- 25–34: 880 deaths
- 45–54: 809 deaths
- Among women:
- Ages 25–34: 393 deaths
- 35–44: 364 deaths
- 55–64: 335 deaths
- Children were not exempt:
- Ages 0–4: 35 deaths
- Ages 5–9: 33 deaths
The most dangerous time of day? Evening hours between 6–9 p.m., when visibility drops and both traffic and impairment risks rise.
How Can We Make Streets Safer?
Pedestrian deaths are not inevitable—they are preventable. The study recommends:
- Installing more and wider sidewalks to separate pedestrians from vehicles
- Improving street lighting, particularly in high-footfall areas
- Lowering speed limits in densely populated or high-risk pedestrian zones
- Enforcing DUI and reckless driving laws more consistently and proactively
A Path Forward
The Schiller Kessler Group’s findings shine a spotlight on a worsening public safety issue. Each number in the data represents a person, a family, and a community impacted by a preventable tragedy.
It’s time for cities and states to redesign streets with safety in mind, not just speed. With increased awareness, better urban planning, and smarter traffic enforcement, we can make walking safe again.
