Solving America’s Alarming Pedestrian Death Crisis

Urban planners in America are haunted by the rising number of pedestrian deaths each year. A shocking 7,508 pedestrians died in the U.S. in 2022, reaching a 41-year high. This uniquely American trend has perplexed planners, researchers, and journalists. Many of the potential causes of these deaths seem impossible to reverse, but Americans are not without resources. There are pedestrian safeguards that are easily implemented, low cost, and backed with strong evidence that they save lives — if we choose to use them.

Within cities, many pedestrian accidents occur at intersections. To improve visibility for all travelers, cities can remove curbside parking spaces adjacent to pedestrian crossings, a technique called “daylighting” intersections. This improvement can make a huge difference, especially for parents with strollers, older adults, and those with limited mobility or impaired vision. In addition to improving pedestrian safety, daylighting also gives drivers more time to slow down and yield.

Infrastructure can also work in favor of pedestrian, cyclist, and transit safety on the road. Instead of forcing buses to pull into and out of travel lanes to pick up and drop off passengers, cities can “float” bus stops out from the curb, a tactic that shortens the crossing distance for pedestrians. Adding protected bike lanes and refuge islands can also benefit pedestrian safety and reduce conflicts with cyclists. Finally, when cities take the first step of daylighting intersections by removing car parking spaces, it can make a big difference. To read more about this pressing issue, click on the link below.

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