Which Roads are Deadliest for Pedestrians?

AAA research finds fatalities occur disproportionately in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.   

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DENVER (Feb. 11, 2024) – After decreasing for three decades and reaching historic lows in 2009, pedestrian fatalities in the United States have increased by more than 80 percent – hitting their highest number since 1982. Per new AAA research out today, nearly all of the increases in pedestrian fatalities since 2009 have occurred after dark on urban arterial roads. Strikingly, a disproportionate amount of those fatalities occurred in neighborhoods that are socially and economically disadvantaged.

“Anybody who’s spent any time as a Colorado pedestrian will tell you just how scary it can be out there,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “It’s not uncommon to deal with two to three close calls on any given walk. Are we really doing all we can to expand mobility freedom if our transportation system is getting increasingly dangerous for everybody except those behind the wheel?”

The pedestrian fatality rate in the United States is two to five times higher than those of other middle- and high-income countries, and up to 10 times higher than the safest countries. What’s worse, the U.S. rate has been increasing while others decrease consistently. In 2024, 120 pedestrians died on Colorado roadways, up 161% in the past decade.

Common characteristics of urban arterial roads:

• Lots of traffic – These roads handle more cars and buses than smaller neighborhood streets.
• Fewer Stops – They typically have traffic lights at widely spaced intersections instead of stop signs to keep traffic flowing, thereby limiting the availability of safe, accessible options for crossing safely as a pedestrian.
• Multiple Lanes – Arterials have more than one lane in each direction or several lanes moving in the same direction, thereby increasing speeds and making them much more difficult for pedestrians to cross.
• Access to key areas – They connect to highways, downtown areas, shopping centers, and other high-traffic destinations.

Additional findings from AAA’s new research: 

• Most pedestrian fatalities occurred well outside of the downtown core – and more than half happened more than 4 miles from the city center.
• Pedestrian crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities disproportionately occurred in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
  • These are neighborhoods with older housing and greater diversity of land use.
  • Many who live or work in these communities rely on walking for daily transportation or to access transit.
  • They are forced to walk in poorly lit areas with poor or no sidewalks and long distances between safe places to cross.

“Let’s be crystal clear about one thing: We’re not going to put a stop to these tragedies by simply urging drivers and pedestrians to ‘watch out for each other,'” McKinley said. “Fundamentally, we need to change our roadway design and the generations-old assumption that the car is the default or best way to get around. If safety is truly a top priority for decision-makers, we should demand greater investments in historically underinvested communities where a disproportionate number of pedestrians are hit and killed.”

To enhance pedestrian safety and reduce fatalities, AAA suggests several key steps: 

• Follow the Data: Let the data be the guide. Invest in the areas and solutions that will make the biggest impact. That means targeting unsafe locations outside downtown areas, often in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
• Coordinate for Impact: State and local governments can work more closely to invest resources to save lives where needed most, regardless of who “owns” the roadway.
• Demand a Safer System: A Safe System approach anticipates human mistakes and reduces crash severity by addressing safety holistically, through safer roads, vehicles, speeds, and road users.

Drivers can do their part by: 

• Minimizing risky driving behaviors such as speeding, texting, driving while drowsy or distracted, or driving under the influence of cannabis or alcohol. Follow speed limits, keep your smartphone out of reach, and only drive when sober.
• Do not rely on pedestrian detection systems to prevent a crash. This technology can only serve as a backup, not as a replacement for an engaged driver.
• Drive with extra caution at night, as this is the riskiest time for pedestrians and when vehicle safety systems struggle the most.