A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that pedestrian deaths decreased in both Michigan and the United States overall in 2024. While this marks progress after years of rising fatalities, the number of people struck and killed while walking remains alarmingly high.
National Pedestrian Fatalities
- 7,148 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2024, according to preliminary data.
- This represents a 4.3% decrease compared to 2023 and the second consecutive year of decline.
- Even with this drop, pedestrian fatalities were still 20% higher than in 2016.
The long-term increase has been impacted by several factors, including the growing size of vehicles, road designs that prioritize speed over safety, and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure in many communities.
The bar chart below shows the number of U.S. pedestrian fatalities from 2019 to 2024. It illustrates how fatalities rose sharply through 2022, then began to decline in 2023 and 2024, though they still remain above pre-2020 levels.
Michigan-Specific Trends
- Michigan reported 153 pedestrian deaths in 2024, a slight drop from 183 in 2023.
- The state’s pedestrian death rate was 1.51 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average of 2.10.
- Michigan was one of 25 states that saw a decrease in pedestrian deaths last year.
This makes Michigan part of a positive trend, but the fatality rate shows pedestrians still face significant risks.
Risk Factors Affecting Pedestrian Safety
The GHSA report highlights several dangers that impact both national and state-level pedestrian safety:
- Nighttime hazard: Over 75% of pedestrian deaths happen in the dark, when visibility is limited.
- Lack of sidewalks: About two-thirds of fatal pedestrian crashes take place in areas with no sidewalks.
- Large vehicles: More than half of pedestrian deaths in 2023 involved SUVs, pickups, or vans, which pose greater risks to pedestrians due to their size and weight.
- Hit-and-runs: Roughly one-quarter of pedestrian deaths occurred in hit-and-run crashes in 2023.
These patterns highlight the urgent need for safer street designs, better lighting, and increased awareness from drivers and pedestrians alike.
Looking Ahead
The decline in pedestrian fatalities is a step in the right direction. However, the overall numbers remain significantly higher than a decade ago, and many of the hazardous conditions, such as poor lighting, the lack of sidewalks, and larger vehicles, are still widespread.
The GHSA emphasizes that improving pedestrian safety requires a combination of better road design, stronger traffic enforcement, safer vehicle technology, and public education about road-sharing responsibilities.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, call our office today for a free consultation.