Pedestrian deaths in the United States have risen sharply in recent years, remaining significantly higher than pre-COVID levels. A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) sheds light on the troubling trend. Understanding when and where most pedestrian fatalities occur is critical to improving safety and preventing future tragedies.

At Hillstone Law, we know that most pedestrian accidents are preventable. By spreading awareness and holding negligent drivers accountable, we can work toward safer streets for everyone.

A Dramatic Rise in Pedestrian Deaths

Since 2010, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 77%, compared to a 22% rise in other traffic deaths. Even more concerning, the GHSA reports a 14% increase since 2019 alone, with pedestrian deaths climbing from 6,412 in 2019 to 7,318 in 2023.

These statistics highlight the growing risks pedestrians face and why identifying the conditions under which these fatalities occur is so important.

Leading Factors Behind Pedestrian Fatalities

The GHSA report points to several preventable factors contributing to the surge in pedestrian deaths:

• Reduced Traffic Enforcement: Since 2020, many states have seen a decrease in law enforcement presence, leading to more speeding, reckless driving, and impaired driving.
• Roadway Design: Many U.S. roads are built to prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety, often lacking sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and adequate lighting.
• Larger Vehicles: SUVs and trucks now dominate the market. With their higher front ends and heavier weight, they are far more likely to cause fatal injuries in pedestrian crashes.

These conditions make intersections and urban areas especially dangerous for pedestrians.

Pedestrian Safety in California

In 2023, California recorded 2.71 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people, according to the GHSA. While not the highest rate in the nation, it underscores the risks pedestrians face daily, especially in dense urban centers like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.

To address visibility issues, lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 413, the “Daylighting Law,” which prohibits vehicles from parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk. This measure aims to reduce clutter at intersections, giving drivers a clearer view of pedestrians crossing the street.

Still, the reality remains: most pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas with heavy foot traffic and poor visibility.

Protecting Victims of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and permanent disabilities. The aftermath can bring not only physical and emotional pain but also mounting medical bills and lost income.

At Hillstone Law, we understand that most pedestrian fatalities occur due to circumstances beyond a victim’s control from unsafe road designs to negligent drivers. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation victims and their families deserve.

You may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Wrongful death (for surviving family members)

Call Hillstone Law Today

Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise, but together we can fight back against the negligence that causes them. If you or a loved one has been injured or if you’ve lost someone in a pedestrian accident, call Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691 for a free consultation.

We’ll fight for your rights and work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.