The 10 States With the Highest Pedestrian Fatality Rates
In many cases, the roads in the United States are not designed with the safety of pedestrians in mind. People on foot are at risk of being seriously injured or killed when they are struck by vehicles. The data on fatal pedestrian accidents demonstrates these risks, showing that thousands of people are killed each year after being struck by drivers.
Pedestrian Fatalities Continue to Be a Serious Problem
According to statistics compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in car accidents across the United States in 2024. While this was a decrease of 4.3% from 2023, the overall trends show that fatal pedestrian accidents have been on the rise. The rate of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2024 was 20% higher than in 2016.
The States With the Highest Rates of Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
Based on data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following states have the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people:
- New Mexico: 4.97
- Arizona: 3.65
- South Carolina: 3.48
- Florida: 3.41
- Nevada: 3.32
- Louisiana: 3.17
- Mississippi: 2.93
- California: 2.84
- Georgia: 2.81
- Kentucky: 2.67
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Dangerous
Pedestrians have no physical protection in a crash. When they are struck by vehicles, their bodies absorb the full force of impact, which can lead to severe or fatal injuries.
The size of a vehicle can affect the severity of a pedestrian accident. Larger vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks, often have higher front ends, so they may hit a pedestrian on the upper body or head, which can make a fatal injury more likely. As the number of these vehicles on the roads increases, pedestrian fatalities may occur more often.
“Pedestrian accidents can be severe because a person who is walking has no meaningful protection against the force of impact from a vehicle,” said Jason Burress, a personal injury attorney who works with victims of these types of accidents. “Even a low-speed collision can lead to life-changing injuries, and fatal injuries can occur when a driver is distracted, speeding, or committing other forms of negligence.”
Driver Negligence That Can Lead to Fatal Pedestrian Accidents
Distracted Driving
When drivers do not fully pay attention because they are texting, adjusting vehicle controls, eating, or looking away from the road for other reasons, they may not see a person in a crosswalk until it is too late. Even a few seconds of distraction can be enough to cause a fatal pedestrian accident.
Speeding
When drivers violate speed limits, they will have less time to respond when pedestrians enter the road, and they may not be able to slow down or swerve to avoid colliding with a person. Speeding can be especially dangerous near intersections in neighborhoods, schools, or in other areas where pedestrians may be present.
Failure to Stop at Crosswalks
Many fatal pedestrian accidents occur when drivers proceed through intersections without stopping. They may run red lights, disobey stop signs, or make turns without checking to see if people are crossing the street.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol and drugs can affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle and avoid a pedestrian accident. Impairments to reaction time, vision, and coordination cause a drunk driver to strike and kill a pedestrian.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue can cause impairments for drivers, affecting their control of their vehicles and their ability to notice and respond to pedestrians. A drowsy driver may have slower reflexes and poor concentration, which can prevent them from being able to avoid a pedestrian accident.
Addressing Pedestrian Accident Injuries and Fatalities
Pedestrian fatalities are a major public safety concern in the United States. When drivers injure or kill pedestrians because of negligent driving, they may be held responsible for acting unsafely. Victims of pedestrian accidents or family members of people killed in these accidents may be able to take legal action against negligent drivers and recover compensation for their financial losses and other damages. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help a person understand their legal options in this situation.