America’s streets are increasingly perilous for pedestrians. A new study from Siegfried & Jensen analyzing 2023 crash data reveals that 7,314 pedestrians were killed nationwide, while another 67,850 were injured. This means pedestrians represented 18% of all roadway deaths, a proportion that has steadily risen in recent years.
The Worst States to Walk
While California, Texas, and Florida reported the highest overall pedestrian deaths, per capita statistics tell a more alarming story.
New Mexico had the nation’s highest pedestrian death rate at 4.93 per 100,000 residents, followed by Arizona (3.57), South Carolina (3.41), Florida (3.21), and Nevada (3.18). These states share common characteristics: sprawling suburbs, high-speed arterials, limited sidewalks, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, New York, despite its massive pedestrian population, recorded lower fatality totals, reflecting how strong transit systems and lower vehicle speeds can protect walkers.
A Deadly Time of Year
The data highlights a seasonal pattern. From October to December, pedestrian deaths surged, accounting for nearly one-third of the year’s fatalities.
- October: 712 deaths
- November: 733 deaths
- December: 741 deaths
This late-year spike reflects shorter daylight hours, heavier holiday traffic, and more pedestrians walking at night. Safety experts point to this period as a critical opportunity for awareness campaigns and roadway improvements.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Men: Represented more than 70% of fatalities.
- Adults (25–64): Accounted for two-thirds of pedestrian deaths, especially those in the 35–44 and 55–64 age ranges.
- Alcohol-Impaired Pedestrians: Nearly 29% of pedestrian victims were legally intoxicated—surpassing the percentage of impaired drivers in the same crashes.
Together, these findings paint a clear picture: it is not children or seniors who face the greatest danger, but middle-aged men, many walking at night, often under the influence of alcohol.
A Public Health Imperative
The report emphasizes that these are not “accidents” but predictable outcomes of poor infrastructure and risky behaviors. Recommendations include:
- Expanding pedestrian lighting and crosswalk visibility.
- Lowering urban speed limits.
- Addressing alcohol-related pedestrian risks through public health campaigns.
- Targeting safety initiatives toward adults most at risk, particularly men in their working years.
“Every death represents not just a statistic but a person whose life was cut short,” the report states. “The challenge for policymakers is clear: design safer streets and hold both drivers and pedestrians accountable.”
