A new study released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) revealed some disturbing facts. One of its results was that the number of pedestrian deaths rose throughout 2021. According to the study, 20 people were hit and killed by vehicles, each and every day, all through the course of the year.
Pedestrian deaths are at an all time high
The total number of pedestrian accidents that resulted in fatalities in 2021 was listed as 7,485. This represents an increase of 11.5% over the previous number recorded in 2020, which was given as 6,700. This is the highest number of pedestrian deaths that have been recorded in the past four decades. It’s also a figure that is rising.
It should also be noted that, across the U.S., there were 2.32 pedestrian deaths per billion vehicle miles that were traveled in 2021. This figure represents a number that is well over the average that prevailed before the pandemic. The previous record was 1.9. These and other stats are a source of major concern.
Unsafe practices lead to more pedestrian deaths
The number of fatal collisions that involve pedestrians rose in almost every state in the U.S. during 2021. For example, the number of crashes that involved speeding drivers hitting underage children has more than doubled. Incidents of impaired and distracted driving also led to fatal crashes.
It should also be noted that the total number of fatalities due to crashes has risen to an all-time high. The number recorded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fixed the number at 42,915 deaths in 2021.
This is the highest number recorded since 2005. It also represents the highest increase in percentage since the agency began recording highway deaths in 1975. Safety experts continue to be concerned.