Pedestrian Deaths See Third Straight Decline
Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. dropped by 7% in 2025 compared to the year before. This means 6,732 people were killed by drivers last year, down from 7,237 in 2024. This marks the third year in a row that these numbers have gone down.
Despite the recent declines, the number of pedestrian deaths is still higher than in 2019, when 6,412 fatalities were reported. The peak was in 2022, with 7,737 deaths.
Most crashes between pedestrians and cars happen in cities. However, crashes in rural areas are more often deadly. This is because speeds are usually higher, and it takes longer for medical help to arrive.
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Even though deaths are down, pedestrian fatalities make up a larger share of all motor vehicle deaths. In 2023 and 2024, they were 18% of all deaths, up from 15.5% in 2015.
Driver distraction played a role in nearly 22% of pedestrian deaths in 2024. Alcohol impairment was also a factor for drivers aged 16 to 24. Light trucks, including SUVs, pickups, and vans, were involved in just over half of all pedestrian deaths in 2024.
States are working to improve safety through better infrastructure, education, and enforcement. They are also using technology to protect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
New Mexico has the highest rate of pedestrian deaths, with about 4.27 per 100,000 people in 2025. The state plans to add pedestrian safety to driver education and focus more on vulnerable road users in road safety checks.
In Southern California, community members assess walking and biking areas. They then share their findings with local officials to improve infrastructure. California saw 239 fewer pedestrian deaths in 2025 than the year before.
New York and Washington, D.C., use undercover officers to check if drivers stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
This summer, states like Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts are increasing traffic enforcement. They are targeting distracted, impaired, speeding, and wrong-way drivers.
Cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco use automated cameras to catch speeding and red-light violations.
Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, stressed the need for continued effort. He said it's important to use proven methods like traffic enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements.
Deep Dive & References
Governors Highway Safety Association report - GHSA, 2026
