Strolling in our communities should be safe for everyone, but sadly, America’s roads continue to pose significant dangers to pedestrians.
A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows a slight improvement in pedestrian safety, but the long-term trend remains deeply concerning.
If a motorist injures you or someone you love while walking in Wisconsin, understanding these trends is vital, as well as the actions you can take to protect your well-being.
The numbers tell a troubling story
According to the GHSA study, the first half of 2024 showed a modest improvement in pedestrian safety nationwide, but the bigger picture remains alarming. Here are key takeaways:
- Drivers killed 3,304 pedestrians in the first six months of 2024
- This represents a 2.6% decrease (88 fewer deaths) from the same period in 2023
- Despite this slight progress, pedestrian deaths are up 48% compared to a decade ago, meaning 1,072 more deaths occurred last year than in 2014
In Wisconsin, pedestrian fatalities have followed similar concerning patterns, with our state experiencing fluctuations in recent years but remaining well above the levels seen 10 years ago.
Why have pedestrian deaths skyrocketed?
Several factors have contributed to the dramatic rise in pedestrian fatalities over the past decade, including:
- A significant decline in traffic enforcement since 2020 allowing dangerous driving behaviors to go unchecked
- Road designs that prioritize vehicle speed over pedestrian safety
- A lack of essential pedestrian infrastructure, like sidewalks, crosswalks and proper lighting in many communities
- The growing popularity of larger, heavier vehicles that cause more severe injuries in pedestrian collisions
- Population growth (7% over the decade) was outpaced by the nearly 50% rise in pedestrian deaths
These factors create a perfect storm of danger for anyone traveling on foot, especially in areas with high traffic volumes or poor pedestrian accommodations.
Creating safer communities
The GHSA advocates for a comprehensive approach to reduce pedestrian fatalities and create safer environments for everyone. These efforts include:
- A renewed focus on traffic enforcement targeting dangerous behaviors like speeding and distracted driving
- Infrastructure improvements, including better sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting
- Education campaigns for both drivers and pedestrians about safe practices
- Vehicle safety improvements to reduce injury severity in collisions
You deserve to feel safe while walking in your community. When accidents happen, getting knowledgeable guidance from a skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you need for medical expenses and other damages.
