Dangerous by Design 2024
In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians lost their lives on America’s streets—an average of more than 20 people per day. Within that lies step-rooted issue: our streets are “dangerous by design,” prioritizing vehicle speed over pedestrian safety. The latest report, “Dangerous by Design 2024,” underscores the unequal risk faced by different demographics, with Black and Native Americans, older adults, and residents of low-income communities bearing the brunt of this crisis.
The data reveals a disturbing trend: not everyone faces the same risk while walking. Black and Native Americans, older adults, and people living in low-income areas are disproportionately affected. For instance, Native Americans experience pedestrian fatality rates over four times higher than white individuals. In lower-income areas, the risk of being struck and killed is significantly greater, with fatality rates rising as median incomes fall.
Memphis, TN, now has become the most dangerous metro area for pedestrians. Memphis’ pedestrian fatality rate has nearly tripled since 2009, with 343 deaths reported between 2018 and 2022.
The pedestrian death toll in 2022 marks a 40-year high, reflecting a 75% increase since 2010. These numbers are similar to the population of a small town like Buena Vista, Colorado being wiped out annually.
To make our streets safer for everyone, we must consider people of all ages and abilities, including those using assistive devices. Current federal data inadequately tracks the impact on people with disabilities, highlighting the need for better data collection and analysis.
A pedestrian-focused approach to traffic safety prioritizes older adults, people with disabilities, people of color, and residents of lower-income areas. Lower-income communities see significantly higher rates of pedestrian deaths, with fatality rates more than four times higher in areas with incomes between $15,000 and $25,000 compared to those over $100,000. Similarly, Black and Native Americans face significantly higher risks, with Native Americans experiencing fatality rates over four times higher than white individuals.
Older adults, particularly those between 50-65 and over 75, are more likely to be struck and killed while walking, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Lack of infrastructure further isolates older adults, making negative health outcomes more likely due to reduced mobility and social interaction.
Indigenous reservations, despite covering less than 3% of the US landmass, reported a pedestrian fatality rate of 2.9 per 100,000 in 2022, significantly higher than the national average.
We at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, are walkers, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders, too! We support pedestrians, bikers and motorcyclists injured or killed on the road, and have successfully represented such victims seeking the assistance and compensation they so need and deserve.
7/19/2024
