New report from AAA finds surge in pedestrian deaths
New AAA research finds most fatal pedestrian crashes occur at night on busy roads
New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals disturbing national trends in pedestrian fatalities which have risen 83% in the past 15 years. There were 7,522 fatalities nationwide in 2022, after reaching a historic low of 4,109 fatalities in 2009.
Almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths happened on urban arterial roads after dark. These busy roads are typically built to quickly move a lot of traffic in urban and suburban areas while still allowing access to local streets. Examples of these roads include Hempstead Turnpike and Northern Boulevard with lots of pedestrians and vehicles,
Researchers uncovered that a disproportionate number of these pedestrian deaths occurred in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Many residents in these areas depend heavily on walking, especially to reach public transportation. Cities and suburbs continue to grapple with several challenges when it comes to implementing the necessary infrastructure upgrades needed to make roads safer in these communities. AAA urges planners, public health professionals, legislators and traffic safety practitioners to work together to reverse these deadly trends.
The study also identified several interconnected factors in these crashes, including a lack of safe crossing locations, high pedestrian crossing volumes and poorly lit roads without continuous sidewalks.
“Reducing the spike in pedestrian deaths requires data-driven investments made where they can have maximum impact,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Drivers and pedestrians alike must behave appropriately on the road. But, to truly move the needle on safety, policymakers must invest in road improvements in communities where adisproportionate number of pedestrians are hit and killed.”
AAA recommends a Safe System approach, which considers the need to address both human and infrastructure factors, reducing crash severity through safer roads, vehicles, speeds and road users.
AAA reminds drivers to do their part:
- Rember to stay alert, follow speed limits, keep your smartphone out of reach and only drive when sober.
- Do not rely on vehicle pedestrian detection systems to prevent crashes. This technology should only serve as a backup, not a replacement for an engaged driver.
- Drive with extra caution at night as this is the riskiest time for pedestrians and when vehicle safety systems struggle to operate.
Drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians, but those traveling on foot should also be vigilant. Pedestrians should use caution by staying on sidewalks and using crosswalks. Always obey traffic signals, look both ways before crossing the street and do not walk and text.
Read the full report here.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.
