U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Surge: Public Health Strategies for Safer Streets

A new MMWR shows that the U.S. has seen a 50% rise in pedestrian deaths from 2013 to 2022, while other high-income countries experienced declines. In 2022, the U.S. pedestrian death rate was the highest among 27 peer nations—three times their median rate. With over 7,500 pedestrian deaths and 40,000 overall road traffic fatalities that year, the crisis demands urgent action.

Public health professionals can collaborate with transportation agencies to implement proven safety strategies, including protected walkways, safe crossings, and speed management policies. The CDC provides data, tools, and technical assistance to help communities adopt evidence-based approaches, such as the Safe System framework, to reduce preventable traffic deaths. Read the MMWR here.