The number of pedestrians killed in the United States in 2024 exceeded 7,000 for the fourth straight year, preliminary data compiled by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows.
Although sobering, the 7,148 pedestrian deaths recorded represent a decrease of 4%, 7.6% and 4.3% from the previous three years, respectively. The 7,737 recorded in 2022 marked a 40-year high.
As recently as 2017, the total was 5,984.
Other findings:
- Pedestrian deaths soared 80% from 2009 to 2023, while all other traffic-related deaths increased 13%.
- More than 3 out of 4 pedestrian deaths happened at night.
- In 2023, 65% occurred in locations without a sidewalk.
- A quarter of the deaths involved hit-and-run crashes.
“Much more must be done to protect people walking,” GHSA CEO Jonathan Adkins said. “Now is the time to double down on what works – more and better infrastructure, enforcement to deter dangerous driving behaviors, engaged and informed communities, and vehicles designed to protect people on foot. An all-in strategy to address pedestrian safety will help us build on this recent momentum and save even more lives.”
