Walking in the United States can be far riskier than it appears. A new analysis of federal data reveals that pedestrians face a high risk of death in several states across the country, and New York ranks fourth on this concerning list.
Between 2018 and 2022, nearly 4 in 10 fatal traffic accidents in New York involved pedestrians, an alarming figure that places the state among the most dangerous for those traveling on foot.
The study, conducted by H&P Law, a personal injury law firm, analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine which states had the highest percentage of fatal traffic accidents involving pedestrian victims.
The report highlights a troubling trend: pedestrians account for a significant proportion of traffic fatalities, especially in densely populated urban areas where walking is part of daily life.
The five most dangerous states for pedestrians
1) New Jersey
* 2,901 fatal accidents
* 914 involving pedestrians (46%)
2) Hawaii
498 fatal accidents
150 involving pedestrians (43.1%)
3) California
18,890 fatal accidents
5,310 involving pedestrians (39.1%)
4) New York
* 4,950 fatal accidents
* 1,367 involving pedestrians (38.15%)
5) Maryland
* 2,583 fatal accidents
* 648 involving pedestrians (33.49%)
New York: Walking is common… and dangerous
New York’s fourth-place ranking is no coincidence. New York City is one of the most walkable cities in the country, and millions of residents walk daily as part of their routine. In fact, it is estimated that more than 60% of New Yorkers commute on foot or by public transportation, constantly exposing them to vehicular traffic.
But this very habit of walking is confronted by urban design that, in many areas, prioritizes cars over pedestrians. Wide streets, poorly synchronized traffic lights, crosswalks with limited visibility, and high-speed drivers create a risky environment, even in the busiest neighborhoods of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx.
In 2024, traffic accidents caused around 200 deaths and over 2,300 people were seriously injured. This means that, on average, one person dies every 34 hours on the city’s streets.
According to the organization Transportation Alternatives, which advocates for traffic safety and active mobility, traffic violence has become a public health crisis with an estimated economic impact of over $5 billion annually.
What factors explain these numbers?
Experts point out that the factors contributing to these high pedestrian fatality rates vary by state but generally include:
- Infrastructure designed for vehicles rather than pedestrians
- Lack of proper lighting and signage
- Unsafe and poorly planned crosswalks
- Speeding in urban areas
- Distracted driving, such as cell phone use
Matthew Pfau, an attorney at H&P Law and spokesperson for the study, commented: “While road design in many areas of the U.S. favors cars, the stark difference in pedestrian safety between states is surprising. These numbers are an urgent call to take measures that protect those who walk, who are the most vulnerable on the road.”
In cities like New York, organizations such as Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets are calling for urgent reforms, including:
- Reducing speed limits in dense areas
- Reallocating road space to pedestrians and cyclists
- Expanding safe school zones
- Increasing the number of speed cameras
- Traffic lights with exclusive pedestrian crossing times
Image: DiarioNY
