Pedestrian Accident Statistics | 2026 Statistical Analysis

Over the last six months, our research team conducted a comprehensive study analyzing pedestrian accident data across the United States. This report aggregates data from federal traffic safety databases, state highway safety offices, and public health surveillance systems to provide the most current insights into pedestrian crash trends, injury rates, dangerous locations, and evolving safety patterns affecting walkers nationwide.

Key Takeaways: 

• Pedestrian deaths increased 21% from 2016 to 2025, rising from 5,997 to 7,251 fatalities, with pedestrian deaths growing at a rate six times faster than all other traffic fatalities.
• More than 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark, with nighttime crashes increasing 84% between 2010 and 2025 compared to just 28% for daytime crashes.
• Middle-aged adults face the highest pedestrian fatality risk, with those aged 35-64 accounting for 52.6% of all deaths and experiencing death rates up to 3.12 per 100,000 population.

Disclosure: The settlement ranges and case outcome information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only. All data has been compiled from publicly available sources, industry research, and third-party reporting. This information is not based on the outcomes of cases handled by our firm and should not be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of any specific result in your case.

The following table presents the most comprehensive overview of pedestrian traffic fatalities in the United States from 2016 through 2025, demonstrating the significant increase in pedestrian deaths over this period.

Key Research Insights:

• After two years of decline, pedestrian deaths increased again in 2025, adding 103 fatalities and reversing the downward trend that began in 2023.
• The dramatic 13.4% spike in 2021 marked the largest single-year increase in pedestrian fatalities in recent history, adding 872 deaths in just 12 months, and fatality levels have remained elevated since.
• Pedestrian deaths now account for 17.8% of all traffic fatalities, up from 15.8% in 2016, indicating that pedestrians face disproportionately increasing danger compared to vehicle occupants.

The time of day when pedestrian accidents occur has a dramatic impact on fatality outcomes. Our analysis reveals that darkness significantly increases pedestrian death risk.

Key Research Insights:

• Nighttime crashes account for 5,402 pedestrian deaths (75% of all fatalities), even though significantly fewer pedestrians walk after dark compared to daytime hours.
• Areas without streetlights produce 40% of all pedestrian fatalities, highlighting the critical role of lighting infrastructure in preventing deaths.
• The presence of streetlights reduces but does not eliminate nighttime danger, with 35% of fatalities still occurring in lit areas, suggesting that lighting alone is insufficient without other safety measures.

Age plays a critical role in pedestrian crash outcomes. The following table breaks down pedestrian fatalities by age group, revealing which populations face the highest risk.

Key Research Insights:

• Middle-aged adults (35-64 years) account for more than half of all pedestrian fatalities, with 3,815 deaths representing 52.6% of total pedestrian deaths.
• Adults aged 35 to 44 face the highest absolute number of deaths (1,341) and the highest per-capita death rate (3.12 per 100,000), making this the most at-risk age group.
• Children under 10 have the lowest fatality numbers (92 deaths combined), but these deaths still represent more than 17% of all traffic deaths for this age group, indicating that walking remains one of the most dangerous activities for young children.