It’s getting safer to be a pedestrian in the United States, with an estimated 5.4% decrease in pedestrian deaths in 2023. According to a new study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, this marks the first national decline in this group since COVID-19. Despite this progress, the number of fatalities in 2023 was still higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 7,318 deaths reported.
Ohio did much better than the national percentage, with an impressive 14% decrease, dropping from 165 deaths in 2022 to 151 deaths in 2023. This matches 2020 but remains higher than 2019’s 128.
New safety measures are working
The report suggests that new safety initiatives are likely contributing to this decrease nationally and in Ohio. These measures include lower speed limits, increased sidewalk construction, and improved lighting in pedestrian areas. The layered combination of multiple methods is key to preventing deaths.
Nationwide construction efforts are making roadways safer, and law enforcement is attempting new and innovative enforcement solutions. Vehicle technology is also moving forward as part of the multifaceted approach. California, which experienced the largest decrease in pedestrian deaths (from 1,208 to 1,057 deaths for 12.5%), was highlighted for its close collaboration with local governments.
Still work to do
The report’s findings could indicate a new trend in pedestrian safety as these initiatives continue to roll out nationwide. However, the goal of ending traffic deaths, as the Vision Zero initiative envisioned, remains a distant target. Moreover, information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that many pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred at night in areas without sidewalks, with SUVs and other large vehicles most likely to be involved. These factors have become common in recent years, highlighting the importance of ongoing need to improve pedestrian safety.
Small consolation for victims’ families
This downturn in pedestrian deaths is welcome news but comes as little comfort to the families of pedestrians killed last year. Those who are considering legal action can contact us. We focus on transportation injury cases and often handle ones involving wrongful deaths and severe injuries.