Fatality Facts 2021Pedestrians
Overview
Pedestrian motor vehicle crash deaths have increased 80% since reaching their low point in 2009 and account for 17% of crash fatalities. The rates of pedestrian deaths in motor vehicle crashes per 100,000 people are highest for people ages 20-69.
Pedestrian deaths occur primarily in urban areas. Engineering measures that separate vehicles and pedestrians, such as sidewalks, refuge islands, overpasses and underpasses, and barriers, can reduce the problem. Increased illumination, improved signal timing at intersections, and beacons that alert drivers to stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are present also can be effective. Because traffic speeds affect the risk and severity of pedestrian crashes, reducing speeds can lower pedestrian deaths.
Vehicle factors also are important. Most serious injuries result from pedestrians hitting vehicle bumpers, hoods or windshields. Serious head, pelvis and leg injuries are common, and the severity of such injuries may be mitigated through improved vehicle design.
The following facts are based on analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Posted May 2023.
Trends
A total of 7,388 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2021. Pedestrian fatalities increased 13% from 2020, and account for 17% of all crash fatalities. Although pedestrian deaths were 2% lower in 2021 than in 1975, they have increased 80% since reaching their lowest point in 2009.
Pedestrian deaths and other motor vehicle crash deaths, 1975-2021 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Pedestrian deaths | Other deaths | All motor vehicle deaths | |||
Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | |
1975 | 7,516 | 17 | 37,009 | 83 | 44,525 | 100 |
1976 | 7,427 | 16 | 38,096 | 84 | 45,523 | 100 |
1977 | 7,732 | 16 | 40,146 | 84 | 47,878 | 100 |
1978 | 7,795 | 15 | 42,536 | 85 | 50,331 | 100 |
1979 | 8,096 | 16 | 42,997 | 84 | 51,093 | 100 |
1980 | 8,070 | 16 | 43,021 | 84 | 51,091 | 100 |
1981 | 7,837 | 16 | 41,464 | 84 | 49,301 | 100 |
1982 | 7,331 | 17 | 36,614 | 83 | 43,945 | 100 |
1983 | 6,826 | 16 | 35,763 | 84 | 42,589 | 100 |
1984 | 7,025 | 16 | 37,232 | 84 | 44,257 | 100 |
1985 | 6,808 | 16 | 37,017 | 84 | 43,825 | 100 |
1986 | 6,779 | 15 | 39,308 | 85 | 46,087 | 100 |
1987 | 6,745 | 15 | 39,645 | 85 | 46,390 | 100 |
1988 | 6,870 | 15 | 40,217 | 85 | 47,087 | 100 |
1989 | 6,556 | 14 | 39,026 | 86 | 45,582 | 100 |
1990 | 6,482 | 15 | 38,117 | 85 | 44,599 | 100 |
1991 | 5,801 | 14 | 35,707 | 86 | 41,508 | 100 |
1992 | 5,549 | 14 | 33,701 | 86 | 39,250 | 100 |
1993 | 5,649 | 14 | 34,501 | 86 | 40,150 | 100 |
1994 | 5,489 | 13 | 35,227 | 87 | 40,716 | 100 |
1995 | 5,584 | 13 | 36,233 | 87 | 41,817 | 100 |
1996 | 5,449 | 13 | 36,616 | 87 | 42,065 | 100 |
1997 | 5,321 | 13 | 36,692 | 87 | 42,013 | 100 |
1998 | 5,228 | 13 | 36,273 | 87 | 41,501 | 100 |
1999 | 4,939 | 12 | 36,778 | 88 | 41,717 | 100 |
2000 | 4,763 | 11 | 37,182 | 89 | 41,945 | 100 |
2001 | 4,901 | 12 | 37,295 | 88 | 42,196 | 100 |
2002 | 4,851 | 11 | 38,154 | 89 | 43,005 | 100 |
2003 | 4,774 | 11 | 38,110 | 89 | 42,884 | 100 |
2004 | 4,675 | 11 | 38,161 | 89 | 42,836 | 100 |
2005 | 4,892 | 11 | 38,618 | 89 | 43,510 | 100 |
2006 | 4,795 | 11 | 37,913 | 89 | 42,708 | 100 |
2007 | 4,699 | 11 | 36,560 | 89 | 41,259 | 100 |
2008 | 4,414 | 12 | 33,009 | 88 | 37,423 | 100 |
2009 | 4,109 | 12 | 29,774 | 88 | 33,883 | 100 |
2010 | 4,302 | 13 | 28,697 | 87 | 32,999 | 100 |
2011 | 4,457 | 14 | 28,022 | 86 | 32,479 | 100 |
2012 | 4,818 | 14 | 28,964 | 86 | 33,782 | 100 |
2013 | 4,779 | 15 | 28,115 | 85 | 32,894 | 100 |
2014 | 4,910 | 15 | 27,834 | 85 | 32,744 | 100 |
2015 | 5,495 | 15 | 29,990 | 85 | 35,485 | 100 |
2016 | 6,080 | 16 | 31,726 | 84 | 37,806 | 100 |
2017 | 6,075 | 16 | 31,398 | 84 | 37,473 | 100 |
2018 | 6,374 | 17 | 30,461 | 83 | 36,835 | 100 |
2019 | 6,272 | 17 | 30,083 | 83 | 36,355 | 100 |
2020 | 6,565 | 17 | 32,442 | 83 | 39,007 | 100 |
2021 | 7,388 | 17 | 35,551 | 83 | 42,939 | 100 |
Twenty-four percent of pedestrian deaths in 2021 occurred in hit-and-run crashes.
Pedestrian deaths by hit-and-run occurrences, 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Number | % | |
Not hit-and-run | 5,586 | 76 |
Hit-and-run | 1,802 | 24 |
Total* | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
Age and sex
The rate of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people decreased 36% from 1975 to 2021. The pedestrian death rate for children ages 0-12 decreased 92% from 1975. Children of these ages had the second-highest pedestrian death rate in 1975 but the lowest in 2021. The death rate for pedestrians 70 and older declined 76% from 1975. Pedestrians ages 45-69 had the highest death rate, and, for the second consecutive year since 1975, the death rate for pedestrians ages 20-44 surpassed that of pedestrians 70 and older.
Pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people by age, 1975-2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | <13 | 13-19 | 20-44 | 45-69 | ≥ 70 years | Total* | ||||||||||||
Population | Number | Rate | Population | Number | Rate | Population | Number | Rate | Population | Number | Rate | Population | Number | Rate | Population | Number | Rate | |
1975 | 45,851,304 | 1,632 | 3.6 | 29,795,023 | 796 | 2.7 | 73,828,928 | 1,829 | 2.5 | 51,933,999 | 1,827 | 3.5 | 14,563,945 | 1,348 | 9.3 | 215,973,199 | 7,516 | 3.5 |
1976 | 45,000,704 | 1,522 | 3.4 | 29,909,414 | 855 | 2.9 | 75,838,856 | 1,854 | 2.4 | 52,326,070 | 1,824 | 3.5 | 14,960,120 | 1,291 | 8.6 | 218,035,164 | 7,427 | 3.4 |
1977 | 44,337,332 | 1,390 | 3.1 | 29,800,313 | 835 | 2.8 | 78,059,919 | 2,078 | 2.7 | 52,640,612 | 1,914 | 3.6 | 15,401,249 | 1,383 | 9.0 | 220,239,425 | 7,732 | 3.5 |
1978 | 43,907,467 | 1,419 | 3.2 | 29,543,252 | 868 | 2.9 | 80,345,884 | 2,251 | 2.8 | 52,911,401 | 1,909 | 3.6 | 15,876,541 | 1,214 | 7.6 | 222,584,545 | 7,795 | 3.5 |
1979 | 43,778,959 | 1,291 | 2.9 | 29,077,607 | 923 | 3.2 | 82,675,196 | 2,546 | 3.1 | 53,135,108 | 1,891 | 3.6 | 16,388,617 | 1,277 | 7.8 | 225,055,487 | 8,096 | 3.6 |
1980 | 43,914,342 | 1,183 | 2.7 | 28,486,487 | 906 | 3.2 | 84,619,613 | 2,598 | 3.1 | 53,306,300 | 1,863 | 3.5 | 16,897,977 | 1,344 | 8.0 | 227,224,719 | 8,070 | 3.6 |
1981 | 44,049,940 | 1,064 | 2.4 | 27,743,947 | 797 | 2.9 | 86,957,821 | 2,705 | 3.1 | 53,391,186 | 1,752 | 3.3 | 17,322,714 | 1,278 | 7.4 | 229,465,608 | 7,837 | 3.4 |
1982 | 44,131,596 | 986 | 2.2 | 27,160,586 | 793 | 2.9 | 89,129,901 | 2,704 | 3.0 | 53,458,525 | 1,589 | 3.0 | 17,783,888 | 1,124 | 6.3 | 231,664,496 | 7,331 | 3.2 |
1983 | 44,119,297 | 944 | 2.1 | 26,737,497 | 671 | 2.5 | 91,107,467 | 2,471 | 2.7 | 53,593,891 | 1,555 | 2.9 | 18,233,751 | 1,081 | 5.9 | 233,791,903 | 6,826 | 2.9 |
1984 | 43,978,044 | 935 | 2.1 | 26,435,885 | 615 | 2.3 | 92,994,199 | 2,564 | 2.8 | 53,753,717 | 1,616 | 3.0 | 18,662,938 | 1,164 | 6.2 | 235,824,783 | 7,025 | 3.0 |
1985 | 44,260,136 | 925 | 2.1 | 26,001,247 | 592 | 2.3 | 94,652,185 | 2,444 | 2.6 | 53,937,379 | 1,549 | 2.9 | 19,072,785 | 1,170 | 6.1 | 237,923,732 | 6,808 | 2.9 |
1986 | 44,755,454 | 913 | 2.0 | 25,592,481 | 584 | 2.3 | 96,124,899 | 2,514 | 2.6 | 54,196,527 | 1,491 | 2.8 | 19,463,480 | 1,157 | 5.9 | 240,132,841 | 6,779 | 2.8 |
1987 | 45,348,247 | 898 | 2.0 | 25,209,615 | 518 | 2.1 | 97,258,744 | 2,496 | 2.6 | 54,581,600 | 1,595 | 2.9 | 19,890,817 | 1,160 | 5.8 | 242,289,023 | 6,745 | 2.8 |
1988 | 45,942,966 | 905 | 2.0 | 25,004,445 | 487 | 1.9 | 97,965,179 | 2,563 | 2.6 | 55,283,966 | 1,545 | 2.8 | 20,302,280 | 1,271 | 6.3 | 244,498,836 | 6,870 | 2.8 |
1989 | 46,690,604 | 786 | 1.7 | 24,664,300 | 421 | 1.7 | 98,908,503 | 2,559 | 2.6 | 55,836,315 | 1,531 | 2.7 | 20,719,397 | 1,180 | 5.7 | 246,819,119 | 6,556 | 2.7 |
1990 | 47,472,527 | 768 | 1.6 | 24,404,795 | 423 | 1.7 | 100,059,399 | 2,506 | 2.5 | 56,363,392 | 1,513 | 2.7 | 21,164,283 | 1,195 | 5.6 | 249,464,396 | 6,482 | 2.6 |
1991 | 48,240,747 | 695 | 1.4 | 24,066,587 | 437 | 1.8 | 101,316,535 | 2,260 | 2.2 | 56,777,326 | 1,301 | 2.3 | 21,751,897 | 1,044 | 4.8 | 252,153,092 | 5,801 | 2.3 |
1992 | 48,903,668 | 635 | 1.3 | 24,163,175 | 376 | 1.6 | 101,332,609 | 2,141 | 2.1 | 58,309,030 | 1,346 | 2.3 | 22,321,217 | 997 | 4.5 | 255,029,699 | 5,549 | 2.2 |
1993 | 49,335,864 | 644 | 1.3 | 24,664,091 | 402 | 1.6 | 101,396,464 | 2,202 | 2.2 | 59,585,516 | 1,300 | 2.2 | 22,800,673 | 1,012 | 4.4 | 257,782,608 | 5,649 | 2.2 |
1994 | 49,692,462 | 659 | 1.3 | 25,219,838 | 355 | 1.4 | 101,322,816 | 2,092 | 2.1 | 60,848,060 | 1,317 | 2.2 | 23,243,845 | 1,021 | 4.4 | 260,327,021 | 5,489 | 2.1 |
1995 | 49,920,484 | 597 | 1.2 | 25,764,300 | 389 | 1.5 | 101,267,838 | 2,146 | 2.1 | 62,156,897 | 1,397 | 2.2 | 23,693,757 | 1,008 | 4.3 | 262,803,276 | 5,584 | 2.1 |
1996 | 50,085,188 | 570 | 1.1 | 26,357,198 | 362 | 1.4 | 101,118,585 | 2,064 | 2.0 | 63,611,278 | 1,445 | 2.3 | 24,056,323 | 951 | 4.0 | 265,228,572 | 5,449 | 2.1 |
1997 | 50,364,983 | 513 | 1.0 | 26,730,812 | 371 | 1.4 | 101,060,598 | 2,015 | 2.0 | 65,218,397 | 1,442 | 2.2 | 24,408,817 | 931 | 3.8 | 267,783,607 | 5,321 | 2.0 |
1998 | 50,527,476 | 464 | 0.9 | 27,174,728 | 351 | 1.3 | 100,919,429 | 1,937 | 1.9 | 66,832,819 | 1,462 | 2.2 | 24,793,551 | 965 | 3.9 | 270,248,003 | 5,228 | 1.9 |
1999 | 50,667,139 | 449 | 0.9 | 27,518,156 | 333 | 1.2 | 100,774,050 | 1,831 | 1.8 | 68,638,663 | 1,398 | 2.0 | 25,092,805 | 885 | 3.5 | 272,690,813 | 4,939 | 1.8 |
2000 | 52,219,423 | 403 | 0.8 | 28,326,412 | 337 | 1.2 | 104,156,098 | 1,771 | 1.7 | 71,930,350 | 1,398 | 1.9 | 25,559,879 | 807 | 3.2 | 282,192,162 | 4,763 | 1.7 |
2001 | 52,341,395 | 363 | 0.7 | 28,437,711 | 346 | 1.2 | 104,586,568 | 1,823 | 1.7 | 73,938,934 | 1,445 | 2.0 | 25,797,467 | 878 | 3.4 | 285,102,075 | 4,901 | 1.7 |
2002 | 52,332,306 | 317 | 0.6 | 28,644,313 | 353 | 1.2 | 104,828,368 | 1,760 | 1.7 | 76,130,907 | 1,531 | 2.0 | 26,005,326 | 845 | 3.2 | 287,941,220 | 4,851 | 1.7 |
2003 | 52,187,602 | 327 | 0.6 | 29,028,500 | 348 | 1.2 | 104,994,725 | 1,751 | 1.7 | 78,377,203 | 1,537 | 2.0 | 26,200,946 | 777 | 3.0 | 290,788,976 | 4,774 | 1.6 |
2004 | 52,151,406 | 293 | 0.6 | 29,400,392 | 305 | 1.0 | 105,111,892 | 1,726 | 1.6 | 80,654,196 | 1,547 | 1.9 | 26,337,518 | 763 | 2.9 | 293,655,404 | 4,675 | 1.6 |
2005 | 52,149,395 | 274 | 0.5 | 29,589,854 | 325 | 1.1 | 105,043,236 | 1,784 | 1.7 | 82,969,250 | 1,684 | 2.0 | 26,658,669 | 777 | 2.9 | 296,410,404 | 4,892 | 1.7 |
2006 | 52,306,908 | 267 | 0.5 | 29,772,198 | 314 | 1.1 | 105,194,169 | 1,751 | 1.7 | 85,240,411 | 1,714 | 2.0 | 26,884,798 | 707 | 2.6 | 299,398,484 | 4,795 | 1.6 |
2007 | 52,585,809 | 243 | 0.5 | 29,775,943 | 343 | 1.2 | 104,784,611 | 1,735 | 1.7 | 87,339,277 | 1,610 | 1.8 | 27,135,517 | 726 | 2.7 | 301,621,157 | 4,699 | 1.6 |
2008 | 52,929,779 | 215 | 0.4 | 29,710,307 | 320 | 1.1 | 104,491,676 | 1,606 | 1.5 | 89,406,928 | 1,640 | 1.8 | 27,521,034 | 603 | 2.2 | 304,059,724 | 4,414 | 1.5 |
2009 | 53,753,412 | 201 | 0.4 | 29,667,279 | 259 | 0.9 | 104,635,837 | 1,477 | 1.4 | 91,163,752 | 1,576 | 1.7 | 27,786,270 | 578 | 2.1 | 307,006,550 | 4,109 | 1.3 |
2010 | 52,937,278 | 212 | 0.4 | 30,247,014 | 295 | 1.0 | 103,895,256 | 1,525 | 1.5 | 94,289,938 | 1,625 | 1.7 | 27,957,657 | 628 | 2.2 | 309,327,143 | 4,302 | 1.4 |
2011 | 52,921,253 | 169 | 0.3 | 29,917,216 | 298 | 1.0 | 104,599,599 | 1,553 | 1.5 | 95,673,134 | 1,780 | 1.9 | 28,472,279 | 637 | 2.2 | 311,583,481 | 4,457 | 1.4 |
2012 | 52,855,061 | 208 | 0.4 | 29,646,417 | 289 | 1.0 | 105,412,143 | 1,703 | 1.6 | 96,811,948 | 1,890 | 2.0 | 29,152,093 | 707 | 2.4 | 313,877,662 | 4,818 | 1.5 |
2013 | 52,719,631 | 208 | 0.4 | 29,551,607 | 241 | 0.8 | 106,127,419 | 1,703 | 1.6 | 97,620,928 | 1,930 | 2.0 | 30,040,362 | 666 | 2.2 | 316,059,947 | 4,779 | 1.5 |
2014 | 52,676,380 | 167 | 0.3 | 29,462,818 | 267 | 0.9 | 106,771,101 | 1,740 | 1.6 | 98,612,021 | 1,959 | 2.0 | 30,864,009 | 729 | 2.4 | 318,386,329 | 4,910 | 1.5 |
2015 | 52,764,080 | 187 | 0.4 | 29,356,330 | 278 | 0.9 | 107,203,363 | 1,957 | 1.8 | 99,790,443 | 2,309 | 2.3 | 31,624,778 | 719 | 2.3 | 320,738,994 | 5,495 | 1.7 |
2016 | 52,811,215 | 198 | 0.4 | 29,350,222 | 322 | 1.1 | 107,606,680 | 2,169 | 2.0 | 100,897,152 | 2,500 | 2.5 | 32,406,486 | 822 | 2.5 | 323,071,755 | 6,080 | 1.9 |
2017 | 52,726,410 | 173 | 0.3 | 29,387,954 | 286 | 1.0 | 108,149,374 | 2,150 | 2.0 | 100,894,347 | 2,576 | 2.6 | 33,964,043 | 821 | 2.4 | 325,122,128 | 6,075 | 1.9 |
2018 | 52,553,599 | 165 | 0.3 | 29,402,794 | 252 | 0.9 | 108,736,264 | 2,354 | 2.2 | 100,855,236 | 2,649 | 2.6 | 35,290,306 | 911 | 2.6 | 326,838,199 | 6,374 | 2.0 |
2019 | 52,266,740 | 141 | 0.3 | 29,412,828 | 222 | 0.8 | 109,322,102 | 2,346 | 2.1 | 100,735,915 | 2,645 | 2.6 | 36,592,368 | 888 | 2.4 | 328,329,953 | 6,272 | 1.9 |
2020 | 51,887,147 | 144 | 0.3 | 29,367,208 | 228 | 0.8 | 109,800,593 | 2,609 | 2.4 | 100,643,477 | 2,728 | 2.7 | 37,785,698 | 777 | 2.1 | 329,484,123 | 6,565 | 2.0 |
2021 | 51,691,096 | 139 | 0.3 | 30,440,240 | 246 | 0.8 | 110,422,956 | 3,071 | 2.8 | 101,885,820 | 2,977 | 2.9 | 37,453,633 | 846 | 2.3 | 331,893,745 | 7,388 | 2.2 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
Seventy percent of pedestrians killed in 2021 were males, a proportion that has varied little since 1975.
Pedestrian deaths by sex, 1975-2021 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Male | Female | Total* | |||
Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | |
1975 | 5,196 | 69 | 2,319 | 31 | 7,516 | 100 |
1976 | 5,120 | 69 | 2,307 | 31 | 7,427 | 100 |
1977 | 5,331 | 69 | 2,400 | 31 | 7,732 | 100 |
1978 | 5,494 | 70 | 2,296 | 29 | 7,795 | 100 |
1979 | 5,701 | 70 | 2,391 | 30 | 8,096 | 100 |
1980 | 5,613 | 70 | 2,454 | 30 | 8,070 | 100 |
1981 | 5,459 | 70 | 2,332 | 30 | 7,837 | 100 |
1982 | 5,144 | 70 | 2,185 | 30 | 7,331 | 100 |
1983 | 4,775 | 70 | 2,050 | 30 | 6,826 | 100 |
1984 | 5,016 | 71 | 2,005 | 29 | 7,025 | 100 |
1985 | 4,671 | 69 | 2,133 | 31 | 6,808 | 100 |
1986 | 4,771 | 70 | 2,004 | 30 | 6,779 | 100 |
1987 | 4,777 | 71 | 1,967 | 29 | 6,745 | 100 |
1988 | 4,756 | 69 | 2,111 | 31 | 6,870 | 100 |
1989 | 4,594 | 70 | 1,959 | 30 | 6,556 | 100 |
1990 | 4,495 | 69 | 1,985 | 31 | 6,482 | 100 |
1991 | 3,985 | 69 | 1,815 | 31 | 5,801 | 100 |
1992 | 3,867 | 70 | 1,679 | 30 | 5,549 | 100 |
1993 | 3,936 | 70 | 1,711 | 30 | 5,649 | 100 |
1994 | 3,757 | 68 | 1,732 | 32 | 5,489 | 100 |
1995 | 3,856 | 69 | 1,728 | 31 | 5,584 | 100 |
1996 | 3,780 | 69 | 1,667 | 31 | 5,449 | 100 |
1997 | 3,643 | 68 | 1,677 | 32 | 5,321 | 100 |
1998 | 3,558 | 68 | 1,670 | 32 | 5,228 | 100 |
1999 | 3,466 | 70 | 1,472 | 30 | 4,939 | 100 |
2000 | 3,251 | 68 | 1,512 | 32 | 4,763 | 100 |
2001 | 3,421 | 70 | 1,479 | 30 | 4,901 | 100 |
2002 | 3,298 | 68 | 1,552 | 32 | 4,851 | 100 |
2003 | 3,274 | 69 | 1,499 | 31 | 4,774 | 100 |
2004 | 3,237 | 69 | 1,435 | 31 | 4,675 | 100 |
2005 | 3,450 | 71 | 1,441 | 29 | 4,892 | 100 |
2006 | 3,332 | 69 | 1,459 | 30 | 4,795 | 100 |
2007 | 3,288 | 70 | 1,411 | 30 | 4,699 | 100 |
2008 | 3,078 | 70 | 1,331 | 30 | 4,414 | 100 |
2009 | 2,827 | 69 | 1,282 | 31 | 4,109 | 100 |
2010 | 2,961 | 69 | 1,339 | 31 | 4,302 | 100 |
2011 | 3,102 | 70 | 1,354 | 30 | 4,457 | 100 |
2012 | 3,337 | 69 | 1,478 | 31 | 4,818 | 100 |
2013 | 3,277 | 69 | 1,496 | 31 | 4,779 | 100 |
2014 | 3,426 | 70 | 1,477 | 30 | 4,910 | 100 |
2015 | 3,832 | 70 | 1,654 | 30 | 5,495 | 100 |
2016 | 4,245 | 70 | 1,810 | 30 | 6,080 | 100 |
2017 | 4,234 | 70 | 1,812 | 30 | 6,075 | 100 |
2018 | 4,420 | 69 | 1,940 | 30 | 6,374 | 100 |
2019 | 4,400 | 70 | 1,864 | 30 | 6,272 | 100 |
2020 | 4,631 | 71 | 1,885 | 29 | 6,565 | 100 |
2021 | 5,171 | 70 | 2,154 | 29 | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
Alcohol
Thirty-eight percent of pedestrians 16 and older killed in nighttime (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) pedestrian crashes in 2021 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08%, compared with 61% in 1982. The rate of high BACs among pedestrians 16 and older killed in daytime (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.) crashes in 2021 was 23%, compared with 27% in 1982.
Estimated number and percent of fatally injured pedestrians age 16 and older with BACs ≥ 0.08% by time of day, 1982-2021 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Nighttime (9 p.m. - 6 a.m.) | Daytime (6 a.m. - 9 p.m.) | ||||
Pedestrians killed | Estimated pedestrians killed with BACs ≥ 0.08 | Pedestrians killed | Estimated pedestrians killed with BACs ≥ 0.08 | |||
Number | Number | % | Number | Number | % | |
1982 | 3,033 | 1,861 | 61 | 2,911 | 783 | 27 |
1983 | 2,612 | 1,684 | 64 | 2,940 | 787 | 27 |
1984 | 2,668 | 1,665 | 62 | 3,046 | 750 | 25 |
1985 | 2,467 | 1,528 | 62 | 3,040 | 717 | 24 |
1986 | 2,505 | 1,523 | 61 | 3,004 | 694 | 23 |
1987 | 2,521 | 1,446 | 57 | 3,035 | 710 | 23 |
1988 | 2,515 | 1,475 | 59 | 3,148 | 674 | 21 |
1989 | 2,422 | 1,445 | 60 | 3,095 | 725 | 23 |
1990 | 2,431 | 1,486 | 61 | 3,029 | 633 | 21 |
1991 | 2,201 | 1,295 | 59 | 2,646 | 584 | 22 |
1992 | 2,040 | 1,215 | 60 | 2,673 | 636 | 24 |
1993 | 2,031 | 1,212 | 60 | 2,681 | 630 | 23 |
1994 | 1,945 | 1,091 | 56 | 2,659 | 615 | 23 |
1995 | 2,041 | 1,150 | 56 | 2,716 | 633 | 23 |
1996 | 2,025 | 1,165 | 58 | 2,624 | 627 | 24 |
1997 | 1,882 | 1,041 | 55 | 2,714 | 581 | 21 |
1998 | 1,899 | 1,054 | 55 | 2,666 | 608 | 23 |
1999 | 1,871 | 1,071 | 57 | 2,423 | 566 | 23 |
2000 | 1,743 | 992 | 57 | 2,416 | 529 | 22 |
2001 | 1,856 | 980 | 53 | 2,482 | 566 | 23 |
2002 | 1,893 | 997 | 53 | 2,447 | 576 | 24 |
2003 | 1,843 | 1,000 | 54 | 2,428 | 545 | 22 |
2004 | 1,845 | 997 | 54 | 2,372 | 523 | 22 |
2005 | 1,968 | 1,056 | 54 | 2,462 | 492 | 20 |
2006 | 1,999 | 1,093 | 55 | 2,353 | 548 | 23 |
2007 | 1,932 | 1,036 | 54 | 2,344 | 538 | 23 |
2008 | 1,846 | 983 | 53 | 2,204 | 553 | 25 |
2009 | 1,752 | 928 | 53 | 2,032 | 462 | 23 |
2010 | 1,822 | 942 | 52 | 2,143 | 456 | 21 |
2011 | 1,896 | 1,001 | 53 | 2,256 | 530 | 23 |
2012 | 2,043 | 1,052 | 51 | 2,437 | 564 | 23 |
2013 | 2,031 | 1,020 | 50 | 2,418 | 554 | 23 |
2014 | 2,112 | 1,026 | 49 | 2,491 | 562 | 23 |
2015 | 2,384 | 1,063 | 45 | 2,767 | 698 | 25 |
2016 | 2,682 | 1,206 | 45 | 3,018 | 750 | 25 |
2017 | 2,698 | 1,153 | 43 | 3,025 | 717 | 24 |
2018 | 2,922 | 1,237 | 42 | 3,167 | 772 | 24 |
2019 | 2,857 | 1,185 | 41 | 3,151 | 728 | 23 |
2020 | 3,038 | 1,172 | 39 | 3,206 | 742 | 23 |
2021 | 3,535 | 1,348 | 38 | 3,506 | 806 | 23 |
Where they died
Eighty-four percent of pedestrian deaths in 2021 occurred in urban areas, up from 59% in 1975.
Pedestrian deaths by land use, 1975-2021 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Urban | Rural | Total* | |||
Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | |
1975 | 4,401 | 59 | 3,115 | 41 | 7,516 | 100 |
1976 | 4,409 | 59 | 3,013 | 41 | 7,427 | 100 |
1977 | 4,997 | 65 | 2,711 | 35 | 7,732 | 100 |
1978 | 4,934 | 64 | 2,748 | 36 | 7,795 | 100 |
1979 | 5,309 | 66 | 2,688 | 34 | 8,096 | 100 |
1980 | 5,279 | 66 | 2,698 | 34 | 8,070 | 100 |
1981 | 5,066 | 66 | 2,614 | 34 | 7,837 | 100 |
1982 | 4,809 | 66 | 2,455 | 34 | 7,331 | 100 |
1983 | 4,477 | 66 | 2,341 | 34 | 6,826 | 100 |
1984 | 4,660 | 66 | 2,360 | 34 | 7,025 | 100 |
1985 | 4,586 | 67 | 2,215 | 33 | 6,808 | 100 |
1986 | 4,580 | 68 | 2,197 | 32 | 6,779 | 100 |
1987 | 4,631 | 69 | 2,105 | 31 | 6,745 | 100 |
1988 | 4,650 | 68 | 2,216 | 32 | 6,870 | 100 |
1989 | 4,620 | 71 | 1,931 | 29 | 6,556 | 100 |
1990 | 4,619 | 71 | 1,855 | 29 | 6,482 | 100 |
1991 | 4,053 | 70 | 1,738 | 30 | 5,801 | 100 |
1992 | 3,923 | 71 | 1,597 | 29 | 5,549 | 100 |
1993 | 3,949 | 70 | 1,663 | 30 | 5,649 | 100 |
1994 | 3,934 | 72 | 1,543 | 28 | 5,489 | 100 |
1995 | 3,914 | 70 | 1,644 | 30 | 5,584 | 100 |
1996 | 3,838 | 71 | 1,596 | 29 | 5,449 | 100 |
1997 | 3,699 | 70 | 1,611 | 30 | 5,321 | 100 |
1998 | 3,584 | 69 | 1,611 | 31 | 5,228 | 100 |
1999 | 3,400 | 69 | 1,519 | 31 | 4,939 | 100 |
2000 | 3,298 | 71 | 1,376 | 29 | 4,763 | 100 |
2001 | 3,437 | 70 | 1,452 | 30 | 4,901 | 100 |
2002 | 3,421 | 71 | 1,418 | 29 | 4,851 | 100 |
2003 | 3,479 | 73 | 1,283 | 27 | 4,774 | 100 |
2004 | 3,393 | 73 | 1,274 | 27 | 4,675 | 100 |
2005 | 3,618 | 74 | 1,245 | 26 | 4,892 | 100 |
2006 | 3,521 | 74 | 1,234 | 26 | 4,795 | 100 |
2007 | 3,442 | 74 | 1,236 | 26 | 4,699 | 100 |
2008 | 3,184 | 72 | 1,210 | 28 | 4,414 | 100 |
2009 | 2,947 | 72 | 1,146 | 28 | 4,109 | 100 |
2010 | 3,129 | 73 | 1,146 | 27 | 4,302 | 100 |
2011 | 3,269 | 74 | 1,171 | 26 | 4,457 | 100 |
2012 | 3,541 | 74 | 1,267 | 26 | 4,818 | 100 |
2013 | 3,502 | 73 | 1,270 | 27 | 4,779 | 100 |
2014 | 3,806 | 78 | 1,092 | 22 | 4,910 | 100 |
2015 | 4,056 | 77 | 1,202 | 23 | 5,495 | 100 |
2016 | 4,783 | 79 | 1,256 | 21 | 6,080 | 100 |
2017 | 4,889 | 81 | 1,154 | 19 | 6,075 | 100 |
2018 | 5,222 | 82 | 1,122 | 18 | 6,374 | 100 |
2019 | 5,160 | 83 | 1,074 | 17 | 6,272 | 100 |
2020 | 5,427 | 83 | 1,098 | 17 | 6,565 | 100 |
2021 | 6,191 | 84 | 1,140 | 16 | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
Thirty-six percent of pedestrian deaths among people 70 and older in 2021 occurred at intersections, compared with 20% for those ages 20-69.
Pedestrian deaths by occurrence at intersection and age, 2021 | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
<13 years | 13-19 years | 20-69 years | ≥ 70 years | Total* | ||||||
Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | |
Nonintersection | 107 | 77 | 199 | 81 | 4,844 | 80 | 538 | 64 | 5,774 | 78 |
Intersection | 32 | 23 | 47 | 19 | 1,204 | 20 | 308 | 36 | 1,614 | 22 |
Total* | 139 | 100 | 246 | 100 | 6,048 | 100 | 846 | 100 | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
Sixty percent of pedestrian deaths in 2021 occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways.
Pedestrian deaths by road type, 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Road type | Number | % |
Interstates and freeways | 1,311 | 18 |
Other major roads | 4,464 | 60 |
Minor roads | 1,551 | 21 |
Total* | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
In urban areas, 48% of pedestrian deaths in 2021 occurred on roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less; in rural areas, 13% of deaths occurred on such roads.
Pedestrian deaths by speed limit and land use, 2021 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speed limit | Urban | Rural | Total* | |||
Number | % | Number | % | Number | % | |
<35 mph | 1,036 | 17 | 66 | 6 | 1,118 | 15 |
35-40 mph | 1,932 | 31 | 83 | 7 | 2,016 | 27 |
45-50 mph | 1,457 | 24 | 170 | 15 | 1,628 | 22 |
55+ mph | 1,387 | 22 | 794 | 70 | 2,182 | 30 |
Unknown | 379 | 6 | 27 | 2 | 444 | 6 |
Total* | 6,191 | 100 | 1,140 | 100 | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
When they died
Twenty-five percent of pedestrian deaths in 2021 occurred in crashes between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and 25% occurred between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Pedestrian deaths by time of day, 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Time of day | Deaths | % |
Midnight - 3 a.m. | 905 | 12 |
3 a.m. - 6 a.m. | 863 | 12 |
6 a.m. - 9 a.m. | 603 | 8 |
9 a.m. - noon | 300 | 4 |
Noon - 3 p.m. | 351 | 5 |
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. | 592 | 8 |
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | 1,849 | 25 |
9 p.m. - midnight | 1,881 | 25 |
Total* | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
The largest proportions of pedestrian deaths in 2021 occurred on Fridays and Saturdays (17% each).
Pedestrian deaths by day of week, 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Day of week | Deaths | % |
Sunday | 1,011 | 14 |
Monday | 1,012 | 14 |
Tuesday | 928 | 13 |
Wednesday | 973 | 13 |
Thursday | 996 | 13 |
Friday | 1,248 | 17 |
Saturday | 1,220 | 17 |
Total* | 7,388 | 100 |
*Total includes other and/or unknowns |
Pedestrian deaths in 2021 were most frequent in October (11%), November and December (10% each).
Pedestrian deaths by month, 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Deaths | % | |
January | 642 | 9 |
February | 502 | 7 |
March | 542 | 7 |
April | 557 | 8 |
May | 510 | 7 |
June | 518 | 7 |
July | 560 | 8 |
August | 636 | 9 |
September | 628 | 9 |
October | 791 | 11 |
November | 732 | 10 |
December | 770 | 10 |
Total | 7,388 | 100 |