Pedestrian accident statistics (U.S., 2023)
Pedestrians made up nearly one in five U.S. traffic deaths in 2023. While the total dipped slightly from 2022, it remains well above pre-pandemic levels, and a growing share of these deaths happen at night. The figures below come from NHTSA and GHSA.
How many, and where
NHTSA recorded 7,314 pedestrian deaths in 2023 — about 18% of all traffic fatalities. Of those, 83% occurred in urban areas and 16% in rural areas. Source: NHTSA, 2023.
GHSA's preliminary estimate of about ~7,318 pedestrian deaths was down 5.4% from 2022 — but still 14.1% above 2019. GHSA figures are preliminary and may differ slightly from NHTSA's final count. Source: GHSA, 2023 (preliminary).
Nighttime and alcohol
| Fatal nighttime pedestrian crashes (2010) | 3,030 |
|---|---|
| Fatal nighttime pedestrian crashes (2023) | 5,578 Source: GHSA |
| Fatal pedestrian crashes involving alcohol (2023) | 46% — driver and/or pedestrian. Source: NHTSA |
| Highest state rate (2023) | New Mexico, 4.45 per 100,000 residents. Source: GHSA |
The long-term rise in fatal nighttime pedestrian crashes — from 3,030 in 2010 to 5,578 in 2023 — is one of the clearest trends in the data. Low visibility, higher speeds after dark, and alcohol involvement all contribute.
Related road-safety statistics
- Car accident statistics — the overall national picture.
- DUI / drunk-driving statistics — alcohol's broader role in crashes.
- Motorcycle accident statistics — another vulnerable road-user group.
Frequently asked questions
How many pedestrians are killed in the U.S. each year?
Where do most pedestrian deaths happen?
Are pedestrian deaths rising at night?
What role does alcohol play?
Which state has the highest pedestrian death rate?
Sources
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