Pedestrian fatalities have become more common and deadly, with 6,205 pedestrians killed in fatal traffic collisions in 2019 in the U. S. This contributed to 17% of all road deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the growth surge is most common on busy main roads in suburban areas and urban centers.
Pedestrians in low-income neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. Older pedestrians are particularly at risk because of their age and lack of movement.
With this in mind, big cities in some states may deploy novel safety techniques to reduce pedestrian danger. Keep reading to see which top ten states have taken steps to protect pedestrians.
Vermont
Vermont comes first on this list of the safest states for pedestrians in 2022. With a fatality rate of 0.48 per 100,000 persons, it had three pedestrian deaths.
In collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Agency of Transportation developed the Pedestrian Safety and Vulnerable Road User Toolkit to assist cities and towns in improving pedestrian safety.
Several resources are included in the Toolkit, including best practices, case studies, and funding options. It was recently revamped to match the most recent pedestrian safety advice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Kansas
With a pedestrian mortality rate of 0.55 per 100,000 persons, Kansas is the runner-up safest state for pedestrians, with 16 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2019. With its Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, the Kansas Department of Transportation aims to improve safety, mobility, education, etc.
Kansas law enforcement agencies have also run efforts to improve safe-driving awareness and encourage people to think about other people’s safety on the road.
North Dakota
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, five pedestrians died in traffic fatalities in 2019 in North Dakota, and its pedestrian death rate is 0.66 per 100,000 residents.
Vision Zero, a highway safety initiative developed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, aims to reduce road fatalities.
In addition, this plan includes strategies that improve pedestrian safety to curb extensions, countdown timers, and median refuge islands. The Safe Routes to School initiative strives to make walking and biking to school safer for children.
Idaho
Idaho comes in fourth place on this list of the safest states for pedestrians. There have been 12 pedestrian fatalities, with a pedestrian fatality rate of 0.67 per 100,000 residents. The Idaho Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program aims to improve pedestrian safety through expanding crosswalks and sidewalks, upgrading lighting, and increasing motorist awareness.
Iowa
Our list of the safest states for pedestrians puts Iowa at number five, with a pedestrian death rate of 0.67 per 100,000 people and 21 fatal traffic accidents. In Iowa, the Long-Term Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan lays out a vision for increasing pedestrian and bike safety, emphasizing developing safe and convenient streets for everybody.
New Hampshire
With the number of pedestrian fatalities at 10 per 100,000 residents, New Hampshire is the sixth safest state for pedestrians.
The Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire provides many tools to help enhance pedestrian safety, including an online map of safe school routes and a guide for municipalities interested in launching a Safe Routes to School program.
In addition, law enforcement is strong in the state, which helps enforce laws protecting pedestrians.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranks on this list, with a pedestrian fatality rate of 0.76 per 100,000 people and eight pedestrians killed in traffic accidents. The state of Rhode Island has developed pedestrian and bicycle safety plans that address a wide variety of themes in enhancing pedestrian safety.
South Dakota
Pedestrians in South Dakota are in eighth place on this list of states with the best safety. The pedestrian fatality rate in South Dakota was 0.80 per 100,000 people. In 2019, there were seven pedestrian deaths due to automobile accidents.
The Highway Safety Plan, which was established with participation from various stakeholders, such as law enforcement officers, public health specialists, and officials from the transportation and engineering sectors, is the primary source of information regarding pedestrian safety on South Dakota’s highways.
Alaska
The state of Alaska ranks ninth on our list of the safest states for pedestrians. Pedestrian deaths in Alaska are 0.82 per 100,000 residents, with six pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents in 2019.
To improve pedestrian safety, Alaska has put in place several measures addressing sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. In addition, the state conducts a robust education and outreach program directed toward both drivers and pedestrians.
Minnesota
With a pedestrian fatality rate of 0.83 per 100,000 persons, Minnesota is ranked ninth on our list. In 2019, 47 pedestrians were killed in road accidents. Minnesota has a statewide Safe Routes to School program and a Pedestrian Master Plan in place to improve pedestrian safety.
Bottom Line
According to the National Safety Council, several thousand pedestrians are killed each year, and many more are seriously injured in the United States. No matter where you’re heading, it’s important to maintain road safety. No matter what your mode of transportation is, be aware of your surroundings. With a little prudence and common sense, everyone can be safer on the road.
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