Pedestrian Safety Overview At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2024, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. NHTSA raises awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provides safety tips for pedestrians and drivers.
For Everyone Key points Thousands of pedestrians are killed every year on our nation's roads. Speed, location, vehicle size, and alcohol are major risk factors. Pedestrian injuries and deaths are preventable.
Some activists advocate large pedestrian zones where only pedestrians, or pedestrians and some non-motorised vehicles, are allowed. Many urbanists have extolled the virtues of pedestrian streets in urban areas.
According to Injury Facts, in 2023, more than 17.9% of all traffic deaths were pedestrians. Every age group is vulnerable, but the largest number of pedestrian deaths occur among 35- to 44-year-olds (1,328). Children under aged 5 to 9 experienced the fewest number of pedestrian deaths (46 in 2023). Follow these tips to stay safe as a pedestrian:
Below you’ll find messaging on how drivers can keep pedestrians safe and how pedestrians can stay safe. Some assets are available in English and Spanish. Share this information with partner organizations to help spread the message across communities.
One key strategy for protecting pedestrians and bicyclists is to separate them from motor vehicles — for example, with sidewalks or bike lanes.
Pedestrians are individuals who are walking or running, bicycling, are riding on scooters, skateboards, or skates, or are using a wheelchair, tricycles, or quadricycles.
Pedestrians are people who travel on foot, including those walking, jogging, or using mobility aids like wheelchairs. They are a vital part of urban environments, moving through sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian zones.