GHSA previously issued a report finding that 3,434 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roadways in the first half of 2022, based on preliminary data reported by State Highway Safety Offices. A second report analyzing state-reported data for all of 2022 found that roadways continue to be incredibly deadly for pedestrians. There were 2.37 pedestrian deaths per billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2022, up yet again and continuing a troubling trend of elevated rates that began in 2020.
The report also includes an analysis of 2021 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System to provide additional context on when, where and how drivers strike and kill people on foot. This analysis uncovered a shocking safety disparity for people walking: Pedestrian deaths rose a troubling 77% between 2010 and 2021, compared to a 25% rise in all other traffic fatalities. The data analysis was conducted by Elizabeth Petraglia, Ph.D., of research firm Westat.
To combat this pedestrian safety crisis, GHSA supports a comprehensive solution based on the Safe System approach outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS). Each of the five elements of this approach – safe road users, safe vehicles, safe speeds, safe roads and post-crash care – contribute in different but overlapping ways to provide a multi-layered safety net that can protect people on foot as well as other road users. The report includes examples of how states are utilizing Safe System principles to improve pedestrian safety.
You know, I believe if people didn’t cross in the middle of the road, wore bright colors, and a couple more things that I’m probably forgetting about, this would’ve been greatly reduced. While it could be both the drivers and the pedestrians fault, I believe the pedestrians are the main ones to blame, cause not all drivers can see them due to what they’re wearing. Now that’s what I think, and if you disagree, that’s fine with me.
If you can’t see pedestrians on the road (on time) you’re either driving too fast, or you’re not paying enough attention, or you’re driving a car that is not suited for roads with pedestrians. That’s totally on the driver.
Leaving that aside, what do you think causes the increase? Dark clothes getting more popular…? I believe it’s the rising popularity of bigger cars with bad visibility (and maybe also the increase of phone usage while driving).
At the end of the day though, you’re the one behind the wheel of a multiple ton death machine, and as long as pedestrians are following the law, the blame lies solely with you if you hit them, even if it’s dark with no lights and they’re dressed in dark clothing. It’s not illegal for a pedestrian to exist in dark clothes at night. If you can’t handle that responsibility, then you’re probably not fit to operate a vehicle.
If they’re following the law (meaning not jaywalking), then yes, it will be my fault. However, I see so many people jaywalk more than using crosswalks. That’s just what I see.