Georgia Injury Law Blog
In so many areas of American life, there is a before the pandemic and after the pandemic. One of these areas, unfortunately, concerns pedestrian deaths. During and after the pandemic, pedestrian deaths spiked, with 7,485 deaths in 2021, the highest number in 40 years. Thankfully, pedestrian deaths are on the decline. In 2025, deaths per 100,000 population dropped below 2.0 for the first time since the pandemic with a 7% decrease from 2024. Unfortunately, this is still 5% higher than pre-pandemic levels, with a total of 6,732 pedestrians killed by motor vehicles. In addition to the total numbers of fatalities, State Highway Safety Offices’ data was analyzed by Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), and they discovered the following insights about pedestrian accidents and deaths.
- More than 1,100 people (15% of all pedestrian deaths) died on freeways and interstates, which aren’t designed for people walking. This number includes people not normally considered pedestrians, such as first responders and tow truck drivers. Many people are also injured or killed when exiting vehicles after an accident or car breakdown. This highlights the need to stay in your vehicle after an accident until first responders arrive, and not to leave the vehicle unless necessary.
- SUVs and pickups account for more than half of pedestrian fatalities. In 2024, 50.4% of pedestrian fatalities were related to light trucks, which includes pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans, whereas 40.6% were caused by passenger cars. As more Americans drive large vehicles, pedestrian fatalities are likely to continue rising, even as deaths for auto passengers decline.
- Nearly one in four pedestrian deaths were caused by a hit-and-run collision, with 1,669 pedestrians killed by hit-and-run in 2024. By its very nature, it is hard to get concrete information about the drivers who commit this crime. However, the National Highway Safety Administration’s statistics show that poor lighting conditions often correlate with hit-and-run pedestrian fatalities.
- Three in every five deaths occurred in locations without a sidewalk. This is part of a larger trend in which pedestrians are at much greater risk of death in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Collaborative Sciences Center and AAA conducted research in Albuquerque, NM, Charlotte, NC, and Memphis, TN, which showed that disadvantaged neighborhoods face multiple challenges that lead to pedestrian deaths. These include lack of sidewalks or sidewalks that suddenly end, lack of safe crossing locations, and poor lighting. Unfortunately, this is an ongoing issue in many cities thanks to the high cost of upgrading infrastructure. AAA: Dark City Roads Deadliest for Pedestrians at Night – AAA Newsroom
- More than three-quarters, or 76.%, of pedestrian deaths occur at night, compared to 19.9% during daylight and 3.6% at dawn or dusk. This high rate is regardless of the artificial lighting conditions of a given area, and it is increasing rapidly. Pedestrian fatalities after dark rose 84% between 2010 and 2023, while daytime fatalities rose 28%. Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data | Governors Highway Safety Association
Unfortunately, the best prevention for pedestrian fatalities require enormous infrastructure changes, both in urban and rural areas, and this puts much of the onus on motorists and pedestrians to avoid fatal collisions. Pedestrians should know that walking at night is particularly dangerous, especially in poorly lit areas.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of pedestrians who have suffered injuries or wrongful death in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries as a pedestrian caused by a motor vehicle, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.