Pedestrian Traffic Deaths Highest in Nearly Three Decades

Even with all the new safety technology available — from motion sensors and backup cameras to self-driving cars — 2018 produced the most pedestrian fatalities since 1990; that’s almost three decades. What accounted for this continued rise in pedestrian deaths, and what can you do if you’re hit by a car? Here’s a look. Why? According to a preliminary report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6,227 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads last year — a four percent increase over last year, and up 35 percent over the last decade. While the number of fatalities decreased in 23 states, 25 other states (and the District of Columbia) saw an increase in fatalities, while two states remained constant. And over a third of all fatalities occurred on local roads. One reason for the increase …