What to Avoid When Walking

Pedestrian Fatalities: U.S. Overview

As of recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • More than 7,500 pedestrian deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022, the highest in over 40 years.
  • This equals approximately 20 pedestrian deaths per day.
  • The trend has been rising since 2010, largely due to:
    • Increased SUV and truck usage (they cause more severe injuries in collisions)
    • Distracted driving and walking (smartphones)
    • Poor infrastructure for pedestrians in many areas

What to Avoid When Walking (to Stay Safe)

To reduce your risk as a pedestrian, avoid the following:

  1. Walking while distracted
    • Avoid using your phone or wearing headphones at intersections or while crossing streets.
  2. Crossing mid-block or outside crosswalks
    • Always use marked crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
  3. Wearing dark clothing at night
    • Wear reflective gear or bright clothing if walking in low-light conditions.
  4. Assuming drivers see you
    • Always make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
  5. Walking impaired
    • Alcohol impairs judgment and reflexes—this applies to walking, too.
  6. Ignoring traffic signals
    • Cross only on the walk signal, even if the road looks clear.
  7. Walking along highways or roads without sidewalks
    • Stick to designated pedestrian paths or walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.