How Many Accidents Are Pedestrian Accidents?

Writing By /
Brenton Armour
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases...Read more

Walking is a fundamental activity that we all do every day. However, it may come as a surprise that pedestrian accidents are a significant problem in many cities around the world. In fact, every year, thousands of pedestrians are involved in accidents, and many of them suffer serious injuries or even death.

If you’re wondering how many accidents are pedestrian accidents, you’re not alone. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the rise of distracted driving, pedestrian safety has become a growing concern. In this article, we will explore the statistics and causes of pedestrian accidents, as well as tips for staying safe while walking.

How Many Accidents Are Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities in the US in 2018. This accounts for 17% of all traffic fatalities. Additionally, there were 84,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in the same year. These statistics highlight the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for increased awareness and caution while driving on the roads.

How Many Accidents Are Pedestrian Accidents?

How Many Accidents Are Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents are a growing concern around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 270,000 pedestrians lose their lives every year in road traffic accidents. In the United States, pedestrian fatalities account for about 15% of all traffic fatalities. In this article, we will explore the statistics and causes of pedestrian accidents and how to prevent them.

1. Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:


  • Driver negligence: This includes distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

  • Pedestrian negligence: This includes jaywalking, crossing roads outside of designated areas, and not paying attention to traffic signals.

  • Poor road conditions: This includes poorly maintained roads, inadequate lighting, and lack of crosswalks or pedestrian signals.

Pedestrian accidents can also occur due to a combination of these factors. For example, a pedestrian may be jaywalking while a driver is distracted, resulting in a collision.

To prevent pedestrian accidents, it’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and to follow traffic rules and regulations.

2. Statistics on Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a significant problem in many countries. Here are some statistics on pedestrian accidents around the world:






















Country Number of Pedestrian Fatalities
United States 6,283
India 16,000
China 63,000
Brazil 4,400

These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and efforts to prevent pedestrian accidents.

3. Benefits of Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

Preventing pedestrian accidents can have a number of benefits, including:


  • Reduced fatalities and injuries: By preventing pedestrian accidents, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by these accidents.

  • Improved road safety: By promoting pedestrian safety, we can improve overall road safety for all users.

  • Reduced healthcare costs: Pedestrian accidents can result in significant healthcare costs, both for the individual involved and for society as a whole. By preventing these accidents, we can reduce these costs.

4. Pedestrian Accidents vs. Vehicle Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are often compared to vehicle accidents, as they both involve road users. However, there are some key differences between the two.


  • Severity of injuries: Pedestrian accidents tend to result in more severe injuries than vehicle accidents, due to the lack of protection for pedestrians.

  • Responsibility: In most cases, the driver is responsible for a pedestrian accident. In vehicle accidents, both drivers and passengers can be at fault.

  • Preventability: While both types of accidents can be prevented, pedestrian accidents are often more preventable through education and awareness campaigns.

It’s important to recognize these differences in order to develop effective strategies for preventing both types of accidents.

5. Strategies for Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

There are a number of strategies that can be used to prevent pedestrian accidents, including:


  • Education and awareness campaigns: These campaigns can help raise awareness among both drivers and pedestrians about the importance of road safety.

  • Infrastructure improvements: Improving road infrastructure, such as adding crosswalks and pedestrian signals, can help prevent accidents.

  • Enforcement of traffic laws: Enforcing traffic laws, such as speed limits and pedestrian right-of-way, can help reduce the number of accidents.

By using a combination of these strategies, we can work to prevent pedestrian accidents and improve road safety for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

As the number of cars on roads increases, so does the risk to pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. It is important to understand how many accidents are pedestrian accidents in order to take necessary precautions and prevent such accidents from happening.

What percentage of accidents involve pedestrians?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 17% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve pedestrians. In 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrian fatalities, which means that every day, around 17 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes.

It is important to note that this number may vary based on location and demographic. For example, urban areas may have a higher percentage of pedestrian accidents compared to rural areas.

What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents?

The common causes of pedestrian accidents include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In some cases, pedestrians may also contribute to accidents by crossing the road in undesignated areas or not following traffic signals.

It is important for both drivers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and follow traffic rules in order to prevent accidents.

What time of day do most pedestrian accidents occur?

Most pedestrian accidents occur during the night, with around 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurring in the dark. This is why it is important for pedestrians to wear reflective clothing and for drivers to use their headlights when driving at night.

However, pedestrian accidents can occur at any time of the day, and it is important to remain vigilant and aware of pedestrians while driving or walking.

What age group is most at risk for pedestrian accidents?

Children and older adults are the most at risk for pedestrian accidents. In 2018, pedestrians aged 65 and older accounted for around 20% of all pedestrian fatalities. Children under the age of 14 accounted for around 18% of pedestrian fatalities.

It is important to teach children pedestrian safety and for older adults to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions while walking.

How can pedestrian accidents be prevented?

Pedestrian accidents can be prevented by following traffic rules, staying alert while driving or walking, and using caution when crossing the road. Drivers should also be aware of their surroundings, avoid distractions, and use their headlights when necessary.

In addition, pedestrian safety education and infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, can also help prevent pedestrian accidents.

In conclusion, the number of pedestrian accidents is an alarming concern for all of us. With the increase in population and urbanization, the roads have become more congested, and the number of accidents has also increased. It is important to understand that pedestrian accidents are preventable, and we can take steps to reduce their occurrence.

One of the most effective ways to prevent pedestrian accidents is by educating people. Children and adults alike should be taught about the importance of pedestrian safety and the dangers of reckless behavior on the roads. Additionally, local authorities should take steps to improve infrastructure, such as installing traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and sidewalks.

Finally, it is important to understand that preventing pedestrian accidents is a collective responsibility. Drivers, pedestrians, and local authorities all have a role to play in ensuring our roads are safe. By working together, we can make our streets safer for everyone and reduce the number of pedestrian accidents.

Brenton ArmourUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Brenton Armour, the visionary founder and lead attorney at InjuryLawsuitHelper, boasts an impressive 15-year track record in personal injury law. His remarkable expertise spans cases from minor injuries to devastating accidents, earning him a sterling reputation as a trusted and passionate advocate for justice. Brenton's unwavering dedication to his clients has cemented his position as a sought-after personal injury attorney.

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