Pedestrian Fatalities Continue to Climb in U.S.

Pedestrian deaths on U.S. roads increased 11% in the first half of 2016 to 2,660, according to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Assn. (GHSA).

Extrapolated over the full year, such fatallities could top 6,000 for the first time in more than 20 years, the authors note.

Last year's increase follows a 9% jump in pedestrian fatalities in 2015 and a 25% spike from 2010 to 2015. By comparison, overall traffic-related deaths rose 6% between 2010 and 2015, then climbed another 6% last year to 40,200.

The GHSA report attributes the increase in pedestrian deaths to a combination of factors led by a surge in smartphone usage. The authors note smartphones have become a growing distraction for both drivers and pedestrians.

Other contributors include increased miles travelled—both by cars and pedestrians—and alcohol usage. More than one-third of the pedestrians killed last year were intoxicated, which is about the same level as in the past.

Two-thirds of states reported increases in pedestrian fatalities through the first half of 2016, while 15 had decreases and one remained the same. Four out of five of last year’s pedestrian fatalities occurred outside of intersections.

The report also evaluates ways in which states and cities are trying to improve pedestrian safety. Some of the most promising efforts include public information campaigns, conducting educational outreach in high-risk zones, high-visibility enforcement of traffic laws and strategic partnerships with local universities and community organizations to advance pedestrian safety.