Pedestrian Safety in the United States

Key Issues

• Increased Risk for Pedestrians: Vehicles have become safer for drivers but more dangerous for pedestrians, contributing to 17% of traffic fatalities in the U.S.
• Comparative Data: U.S. pedestrian fatalities are significantly higher than in Europe, despite Europe having more people.

Factors Contributing to High Pedestrian Fatality Rates

Vehicle Design and Size

• Larger Vehicles: Incentives for larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks have increased pedestrian fatality risk by 44% due to higher hood heights.
• Vehicle Shape: The hood's angle plays a role in pedestrian safety. Flatter, higher hoods are more dangerous.

Visibility

• Driver Visibility: Lower visibility from larger vehicles increases collision risks. Design elements like the A pillar contribute to this issue.

Driver Behavior

• Distracted Driving: High rates of cell phone use while driving contribute to pedestrian fatalities in the U.S.

Road Design

• Lack of Infrastructure: Absence of sidewalks contributes to pedestrian deaths, particularly in high-speed arterial roads.
• Road Speed: Higher speeds on roads increase pedestrian fatality risk. Other countries enforce slower speed limits effectively.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities

• Community Impact: Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color face disproportionately higher pedestrian fatalities, related to historic redlining and poor infrastructure.

Solutions and Implementations

• Vehicle Modifications: Promote the use of safer vehicle designs with better visibility and lower, sloped hoods.
• Policy Changes: Implement speed-reducing measures like raised crosswalks and speed cameras.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Focus on building sidewalks and safe crossing zones in vulnerable neighborhoods.
• Addressing Disparities: Prioritize infrastructure investments in communities disproportionately affected by pedestrian injuries and deaths.

Conclusion

By adopting specific vehicle laws, traffic calming measures, and improving infrastructure in high-risk areas, the U.S. can significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities.