Pedestrian fatalities on U.S. roads have surged by more than 80% since 2009, with the majority of deaths occurring at night on urban arterial roads, according to a new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The study identifies road design, poor lighting, and systemic policy issues as key factors contributing to the crisis.
The report, published in January, analyzed crash data and conducted case studies in Charlotte, Memphis, and Albuquerque to examine trends and potential solutions. Researchers found that pedestrian fatalities disproportionately occur in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and have increasingly moved away from city centers.
One case study in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, revealed that a pedestrian fatality occurred at an unmarked crosswalk along a poorly lit arterial road with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. The study found that many such roads are controlled by state agencies, limiting local efforts to implement safety measures.
In all three case study cities, pedestrian fatalities were highly concentrated on arterial roads, particularly in areas with older housing, mixed land use, and higher rates of low-income residents. Researchers identified policy barriers—including high costs of infrastructure improvements, prioritization of vehicle traffic over pedestrian safety, and resistance to change—that hinder progress in making roads safer for pedestrians.
AAA researchers emphasized the need for improved lighting, pedestrian-friendly road designs, and policy reforms that prioritize safety over vehicle speed and efficiency. The report calls for a national strategy to address the alarming rise in nighttime pedestrian fatalities on urban roads.
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