Blog
New Study Finds Pedestrian Deaths Hit Highest Level in 30 Years
A new study out April 1, 2020, shows pedestrian deaths hit a 30-year high in 2019.
More than 6,500 people were killed — a 5% increase from the year before. New research finds pedestrian deaths have surged 53%. Distracted driving and walking with smartphones are factors, as are drug and alcohol abuse. All this as warming weather is bringing more pedestrians outside.
Three-quarters of pedestrian deaths happen at night — most on local roads and away from intersections. Also, an issue is smartphones with the Governor's Highway Safety Association issuing a warning to pedestrians. "We see drivers driving distracted and when a person is distracted by their phone or some other source, they're less likely to see a pedestrian," a representative explained.
To cut down on these deadly incidents, the study recommended adding crosswalks for pedestrians and improving street lighting. Less cellphone use while driving or walking would help too.