Safe Transportation Research & Education Center

As a commute mode, walking is gaining in numbers. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that pedestrian fatalities in the nation have increased disproportionately to other traffic deaths. Pedestrian fatalities as a proportion of total traffic deaths increased from 12 percent in 2008 to 16 percent in 2017. Pedestrian fatalities increased by 35 percent from 2008 to 2017 while other traffic deaths decreased by 6 percent. The GSHA also reported the largest proportion of pedestrian deaths around divided highways, which generally have speed limits of 45 or more and lack controlled intersections and safe crossing areas.