Pedestrian Traffic Deaths in U.S. Remain Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels: Report

Preliminary data shows more than 3,000 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads throughout the first half of 2025, resulting in over $40 billion in total costs to individuals, insurers and others.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released its 2025 Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State Preliminary Data report on March 25, indicating that pedestrian deaths remained higher than levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the first half of 2025.

GHSA is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership and advocacy to help U.S. states and territories enhance traffic safety. It supports a holistic approach to protect everyone on the road, including targeted traffic enforcement against dangerous driving behaviors.

According to previous GHSA research, pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have risen by nearly 50% during the past decade. The organization has also determined that between 2009 and 2023, pedestrian deaths increased by 80%, far outpacing other traffic fatalities, which collectively have risen by only 13%.

Research into the rising number of accidents has identified several contributing factors, including the growing size of top selling vehicles, which creates larger forward blind zones and aligns with a rise in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths. To help reduce these risks, studies also suggest that roadway features such as sidewalks, crosswalks and proper lighting may help reduce accidents.

GHSA Pedestrian Traffic Deaths Report

In an updated analysis of data from State Highway Safety Offices, GHSA found that pedestrian deaths from January through June 2025 were 10.9% lower than the same period the previous year, marking 371 fewer fatalities and the largest annual decline since the organization began tracking the data 15 years ago.

However, the report indicates fatalities remain 2.5% higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 3,024 pedestrian deaths recorded during the first half of 2025, compared to 2,951 in 2019.

In particular, the report’s data shows that, when compared to the prior year, fatalities:

• Increased in 24 states
• Decreased in 23 states and Washington, D.C.
• Stayed the same in three states 

Reductions in deaths throughout states such as Alabama, California, Maryland, New Mexico and New York helped lower the nationwide total from the prior year.

“Each pedestrian death is so much more than just a number. Each one is a family member, friend or neighbor that no one will be able to hug, see or share time with ever again. While we are pleased with the progress shown in the data, the only acceptable number of traffic deaths is zero.”

— Jonathan Adkins, GHSA CEO

GHSA reports that beyond the lasting emotional trauma of each fatality, there is also a significant financial impact, with the total economic toll of all pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2025 exceeding $40 billion.

In addition, the report indicates that proven strategies may improve pedestrian safety, including reducing pedestrian exposure to traffic, improving visibility, managing speed, using data and technology to address risks, promoting safe road use and enhancing post crash care. Learning from past crashes could also guide effective safety policies and countermeasures. 

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