GHSA's annual Spotlight on Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities projects nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. The report is a first glimpse at state and national trends in pedestrian traffic fatalities for 2017, using preliminary data provided by all 50 State Highway Safety Offices and the District of Columbia.
States reported a total of 2,636 pedestrian fatalities for the first six months of 2017. Adjusting the raw data based on past trends, GHSA estimates that there were 5,984 pedestrian fatalities in 2017, essentially unchanged from the 5,987 pedestrians killed in 2016.
The report also explores potential contributors to the high number of pedestrian fatalities, considering factors including state legalization of recreational marijuana and the dramatic growth in smartphone use.
Additionally, this spotlight report discusses promising strategies to reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes through a combination of engineering, education, and enforcement efforts, featuring specific examples from 41 states.
The report was authored by Richard Retting of Sam Schwartz Consulting.
- Download Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2017 Preliminary Data
- News Release: No National Progress in Reducing Pedestrian Fatalities
- GHSA Issue Toolkit: Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Infographics Available for Download
JPEGs of the following infographics are available for download under "Resource Downloads" below.
