Pedestrian Accident Statistics For 2023

When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, it’s one of the most devastating accidents with a high fatality and injury rate. Preventing these incidents remains a top priority for communities across the country.

Safety experts and government officials track pedestrian accident statistics to evaluate safety measures and find areas that need improvement. Here, we’ll break down the pedestrian accident statistics for 2023, highlight areas of concern and discuss steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Pedestrian Accident Fatality Rates

Preliminary data for 2023 from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that the rate of pedestrian accident fatalities has declined from the previous year. The country saw 7,318 fatalities in 2023, compared to 7,737 in 2022 – a 5.4% decrease.

However, this number is still higher than in 2019, when there were 6,412 pedestrian fatalities, marking a 14.1% increase over the last four years. Even when considering the rising national population, the rate of these accidents has slightly risen.

Looking at the long-term trends, however, the rate of pedestrian accidents has increased substantially. In 2010, pedestrians accounted for 13% of all traffic fatalities, but by 2022, that number had increased to 17.8%. From 2010 to 2022, pedestrian deaths increased by 77%, while other traffic fatalities rose by just 22%. The time and location of these incidents play a big role – 77% of pedestrian fatalities in 2022 occurred at night, and 66% happened in areas without sidewalks.

The Best and the Worst States for Pedestrian Accidents

In 2023, 29 states saw fewer pedestrian accidents, while 21 states and Washington, D.C., experienced increases. Arizona and California led the way in reducing fatalities, with 243 fewer deaths between them, making up 58% of the total national decrease. New York also saw a notable decline in fatalities. On the other hand, Colorado, Maryland and Kentucky had the largest increases.

When considering fatalities per 100,000 people, Arizona had the most improvement, lowering its rate from 4.24 to 2.96. Louisiana came in second, going from 3.95 to 3.17, and Connecticut was third, going from 2.02 to 1.33. On the other side, Idaho experienced the steepest increase, followed by Nevada and Kentucky.

Florida Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities

Unfortunately, Florida was one of the 21 states that saw the number of pedestrian traffic fatalities rise, registering an increase of 2.7%. The data on pedestrian deaths over the last five years is:

• 2019: 745
• 2020: 716
• 2021: 833
• 2022: 780
• 2023: 801

Florida recorded 21 more fatalities in 2023, the fourth highest increase in the nation. By percentage, however, Florida had the smallest increase among states with rising fatalities, at 3%. 

Despite being the third most populous state, Florida still faces challenges in pedestrian safety, especially since other large states like California, Texas and New York saw declines.

Deeper Insights From 2022

All we can get for 2023 are the raw preliminary numbers without much context. However, the report does share data from 2022 and before with more granular insights. Key points include:

• Speeding-related pedestrian fatalities declined in both 2021 and 2022.
• Minorities are disproportionately affected by pedestrian fatalities, making up 59.7% of accidents.
• The age groups most impacted by pedestrian deaths are youths aged 15-20, young adults aged 21-24, and children under 15.
• Driver alcohol impairment was a factor in 18.5% of pedestrian traffic fatalities.
• Most accidents occur on city streets with intersections and traffic lights rather than highways.

Interestingly, as dangerous as intersections can be, only 24% of fatal pedestrian crashes were at intersections.

Steps for Reducing Pedestrian Accidents

The Governors Highway Safety Association highlighted several initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents. Florida received recognition for two efforts: authorizing speed cameras in school zones to improve child safety and providing specialized pedestrian safety training for law enforcement officers. Together, these measures aim to create a safer environment for pedestrians, especially in high-risk areas.

The Safe System Approach

The U.S. Department of Transportation has focused on a “Safe System” approach, which aims to create multiple layers of safety to prevent accidents and minimize the impact when they do occur. The key principles of this approach are:

1. Death and serious injuries are unacceptable: The ultimate goal is to eliminate deaths and serious injuries, not just reduce them.
2. Humans make mistakes: The system is designed with human error in mind, aiming to minimize the consequences of inevitable mistakes.
3. Humans are vulnerable: Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, so the approach focuses on reducing vehicle speeds and separating pedestrians from traffic whenever possible.
4. Responsibility is shared: Everyone – from drivers and pedestrians to government officials and law enforcement – shares the responsibility for road safety.
5. Safety is proactive: Safety improvements should happen before accidents occur, not as a reaction.
6. Redundancy is crucial: Speed limits, sidewalks and pedestrian signals work together to help protect pedestrians when one element fails.

These principles have proven effective in other countries, such as Sweden, where pedestrian fatalities decreased by 50% between 2009 and 2014. 

Both pedestrians and drivers can help prevent accidents by staying alert, avoiding distractions and following the local rules of the road. Drivers should always watch for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks and intersections, and pedestrians should use designated crossings and make themselves visible to drivers, especially at night. By working together and being mindful of each other’s presence, we can make the roads safer for everyone.

What To Do if You or a Loved One Is in a Pedestrian in an Accident

Even the most cautious pedestrians can find themselves in an accident. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to act quickly and follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Get out of the way of danger.
2. Call 911 for police assistance and medical attention.
3. Exchange contact information with the driver and get their insurance information.
4. Document the scene with photos and videos.
5. Contact a lawyer to discuss your options for compensation.

If you have severe injuries, gathering evidence can be challenging. You can ask a friend or family member to help you collect important information at the scene. The team at Kogan & DiSalvo can also assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong case, even if you weren’t able to do so immediately after the accident.

Seeking Justice After a Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian accident can change your life and your family’s life in an instant. If you need to seek justice after being injured by a negligent driver, contact our team for a free case evaluation. We’ll compassionately hear your story and let you know how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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