Pedestrian Fatalities Are Surging Across the U.S.—Here’s Where the Crisis Is Hitting Hardest

Walking should be one of the safest and most natural ways to get around—but in the United States, it’s becoming increasingly dangerous. According to a recent analysis by The Schiller Kessler Group, a personal injury law firm, pedestrian deaths in 2022 reached their highest levels in over four decades. The data reveals not just where pedestrian fatalities are happening—but why.

The States With the Most Pedestrian Deaths

In 2022 alone, 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the U.S.—a tragic statistic that translates to one pedestrian death every 70 minutes. The following ten states recorded the highest numbers of fatalities:

1. California – 1,158 deaths

2. Texas – 797 deaths

3. Florida – 773 deaths

4. Georgia – 345 deaths

5. New York – 303 deaths

6. Arizona – 295 deaths

7. North Carolina – 257 deaths

8. Tennessee – 210 deaths

9. Illinois – 191 deaths

10. Louisiana – 181 deaths

These states tend to share similar risk factors: large populations, sprawling infrastructure, higher vehicle speeds, and often limited pedestrian protections in high-traffic zones.

The Cities With the Highest Pedestrian Fatality Rates

The risk isn’t confined to states. Several urban areas recorded especially high pedestrian death rates in 2022, including:

• Los Angeles, CA – 153 deaths

• Phoenix, AZ – 117 deaths

• Houston, TX – 111 deaths

• New York, NY – 110 deaths

• Memphis, TN – 83 deaths

• Dallas, TX – 72 deaths

• San Antonio, TX – 66 deaths

These cities combine high-speed roads, dense traffic, and limited pedestrian infrastructure—factors that can create deadly conditions.

Key Risk Factors Behind the Numbers

While every fatality has its own set of circumstances, several common trends emerge in the data:

1. Speed

The faster a car is traveling, the less likely a pedestrian is to survive. According to crash data, a pedestrian hit at 58 mph has a 90% chance of dying.

2. Vehicle Type

Larger vehicles cause more severe injuries:

• SUVs, pickups, and vans: 2,945 deaths

• Passenger cars: 2,196 deaths

• Large trucks: 390 deaths

• Buses: 41 deaths

• Unknown/Other: 836 deaths

3. High-Risk Locations

Fatalities often happen on:

• High-speed roads (45–55 mph)

• Multi-lane intersections

• Areas near shopping centers and commercial districts

4. Alcohol

In 2022, 48% of pedestrian deaths involved alcohol.

• 30% involved intoxicated pedestrians

• 18% involved drunk drivers

Who’s Most at Risk?

While anyone can be affected, certain groups stand out:

• Men aged 55–64 had the highest number of fatalities: 1,009 deaths

• Other high-risk age groups include 35–44 (986 deaths), 25–34 (880 deaths), and 45–54 (809 deaths)

• Women aged 25–34 were the most affected female demographic, with 393 deaths

• Even children under 10 were victims—68 deaths recorded among those aged 0–9

Most pedestrian deaths occurred during evening hours (6–9 p.m.), when visibility is lower and driver impairment is more common.

What Can Be Done?

Pedestrian deaths are not just statistics—they’re preventable tragedies. Here are key solutions recommended by experts:

• Improve sidewalk access: Creating more pedestrian-only zones and walkways can reduce exposure to traffic.

• Enhance street lighting: Better visibility helps both drivers and walkers avoid danger.

• Lower speed limits: Especially in areas with high foot traffic.

• Increase DUI enforcement: Holding impaired drivers accountable can directly save lives.

A Call to Action

The Schiller Kessler Group’s full pedestrian fatality study aims to spark conversation and policy change. Every fatality represents a lost life, a grieving family, and a missed opportunity to make our streets safer.

For advocates, city planners, and legislators alike, this is a clear signal: the way we design and regulate roads must evolve to prioritize people, not just vehicles.