The latest Dangerous by Design 2026 report from Smart Growth America finds that pedestrian fatalities in the United States increased by 72 percent between 2009 and 2024, far outpacing growth in population and vehicle travel. Although pedestrian deaths declined modestly for two consecutive years, reaching 7,080 fatalities in 2024, the report argues that these improvements should not be viewed as a major success because current fatality levels remain dramatically higher than they were fifteen years ago. In fact, 2024 recorded more pedestrian deaths than any year since 1982 except for the peak years between 2021 and 2023.

The report concludes that the pedestrian safety crisis is largely the result of transportation and land use decisions that prioritize vehicle speed over human safety. Many of the nation’s most dangerous metropolitan areas and states have become even deadlier, with the highest pedestrian fatality rates now far exceeding those recorded when the report was first published in 2009. The authors also highlight significant disparities among vulnerable populations, noting that older adults, lower-income communities, and communities of color face disproportionately high risks while walking. The report argues that these outcomes are predictable and preventable through proven street design strategies that slow traffic, improve crossings, and place greater emphasis on pedestrian safety.

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