California’s bustling cities, crowded intersections, and heavy traffic make walking more dangerous here than almost anywhere else in the United States. Pedestrian accidents are not just frequent, they’re often fatal. The latest data shows troubling trends that every driver and pedestrian should be aware of.

Here are 20 pedestrian accident statistics in California for 2025 that highlight the risks on our roads.

General Pedestrian Accident Data

1. California reports over 1,100 pedestrian fatalities annually, the highest of any state. (Source: https://www.ots.ca.gov/)
2. Pedestrians account for 25% of all traffic deaths in California.
3. Nearly 15,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic crashes across the state each year.
4. California ranks 8th in the nation for pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 residents.

Time & Location Factors

5. About 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night.
6. Urban areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco account for more than 70% of all pedestrian deaths.
7. Non-intersection locations (like mid-block crossings) are where 80% of fatal pedestrian crashes occur.
8. Freeways and high-speed arterials are particularly deadly, with 1 in 10 pedestrian deaths occurring on them.

Driver-Related Causes

9. Speeding drivers are involved in 35% of all pedestrian fatalities.
10. Distracted driving (texting, phone use) is linked to 15% of pedestrian crashes.
11. Alcohol impairment by drivers plays a role in about 30% of pedestrian deaths. (See federal crash data: https://www.nhtsa.gov/)
12. Drivers making left turns are more likely to strike pedestrians than those turning right.

Pedestrian Behavior & Risks

13. Alcohol impairment is not just a driver issue, one-third of fatally injured pedestrians had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit.
14. Older adults (65+) make up nearly 20% of all pedestrian fatalities.
15. Children under 15 account for nearly 10% of pedestrian accident injuries annually.
16. Male pedestrians are almost twice as likely as females to die in traffic crashes.

Trends & Safety Measures

17. Pedestrian fatalities in California have risen by over 25% in the last decade.
18. Crosswalk enhancements (flashing beacons, raised crosswalks) can reduce pedestrian crashes by up to 47%.
19. Areas with active Vision Zero programs (like Los Angeles) report slight declines in deaths, but progress remains slow. (Public health perspective: https://www.cdc.gov/)
20. Despite safety initiatives, California still averages 3 pedestrian deaths per day.

Final Thoughts

The statistics are alarming: pedestrians in California face significant dangers daily, especially in large metropolitan areas. Whether caused by distracted drivers, poor road design, or alcohol impairment, these accidents often result in life-changing injuries or fatalities. At Hillstone Law, we stand with victims and their families, fighting to hold negligent drivers accountable and securing the compensation they deserve.