GHSA 2022 Report Finds Pedestrian Deaths Are Increasing in Many States

Last year the U.S. logged the most pedestrian deaths since 1981

Image: GHSA

A new report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) found that at least 7,508 pedestrians died as a result of car crashes in 2022; this report claims that this is the most pedestrian deaths since 1981. 

Not only is this a tragic trajectory, it is also concerning from an environmental perspective. Human-powered modes of transportation, such as bicycles and walking, are by far the most sustainable ways to get around, but the infrastructure needs to be convenient and safe enough for people to leave their cars at home. Experts continuously point out that safer bike and pedestrian infrastructure leads to increased activity, which benefits communities from environmental, public health, and neighborhood-building perspectives.

The report offers solutions such as embracing the Safe System approach and gives tangible examples of how states have implemented these principles to build safer roadways, including pedestrian safety into drivers’ education, and enforce dangerous driving behaviors.

Read the full GHSA Traffic Fatalities by State report here.

Header image: Natalia, Adobe Stock