WASHINGTON — For the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, walking the streets of American cities has become relatively safer, according to a new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association. After a surge that saw pedestrian fatalities reach a 40-year high in 2022, recent data has marked a significant drop of 5.4% in these tragedies in 2023.
The association’s latest findings indicate that 7,318 pedestrian deaths were recorded last year, a decrease that breaks a grim tread of rising fatalities. While the numbers still exceed those from 2019, prior to the pandemic, it signals a potential turn in the fight against pedestrian risks. Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, acknowledged the progress but cautioned against complacency. “We’re happy to see it going down, but we’re not having a party,” he stated, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
Highlighting the drop, Adkins pointed towards multiple new safety initiatives that may have contributed to the decline. These include enhancements in road infrastructure, the implementation of advanced vehicle technologies, and innovative law enforcement strategies. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also corroborated the positive trend, noting a general downtick in overall traffic fatalities for the early part of 2024.
California stood out as a state making significant strides, registering the most considerable decrease in pedestrian fatalities. This success is largely attributed to intensive collaboration between state and local authorities to overhaul road safety measures. “That’s different than, certainly, historically in roadway safety,” Adkins observed.
Moreover, the approach to improving pedestrian safety has been comprehensive, involving a variety, including reducing speed limits in critical areas, increasing the number of pedestrian zones with better lighting, and expanding sidewalks. These efforts represent a systemic shift toward safeguarding pedestrians through layered safety measures, a strategy that Adkins believes is essential for meaningful progress.
However, despite the promising decline in fatalities, challenges remain. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that a significant number of pedestrian deaths in 2023 occurred at night in areas lacking sidewalks, with SUVs and large vehicles predominantly involved. These findings underscore an ongoing risk factor that could potentially offset gains if not adequately addressed.
Looking ahead, road safety advocates are cautiously optimistic, seeing the recent report as an indication of a burgeoning trend in pedestrian safety improvements nationwide. “It’s really just started in the last few years. And so I’m hopeful that that’s starting to pay off,” Adkins said, expressing hope for sustained efforts and further reductions in fatalities.
As the United States continues to grapple with challenges to pedestrian safety, the latest figures offer a glimmer of hope and a testament to the impact of dedicated safety interventions. Nevertheless, the journey to significantly safer streets continues, necessitating persistent efforts from all stakeholders involved in road safety. As these endeavors advance, the vision of safer pedestrian environments across the nation becomes an increasingly achievable reality, promising a safer future for all who traverse America’s roads.