## Pedestrian Safety: A Looming Crisis in American Cities
### Alarming Statistics: The Deadliest Metro Areas for Pedestrians
Crossing the street shouldn’t be a life-or-death situation, but in some cities in the United States, it unfortunately is. A recent study by Smart Growth America called “Dangerous By Design” has shed light on the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities across the country. The study revealed that Memphis, Tennessee, ranked as the most dangerous city for pedestrians, with an average of 5.14 deaths per 100,000 residents between 2018 and 2022. Trailing closely behind was Albuquerque, New Mexico, with 4.38 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Examining the top ten deadliest metro areas for pedestrians, a concerning trend emerges:
1. Memphis, TN: 5.14 per 100,000 residents
2. Albuquerque, NM: 4.83
3. Tucson, AZ: 4.16
4. Bakersfield, CA: 3.99
5. Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond, FL: 3.96
6. Baton Rouge, LA: 3.96
7. Fresno, CA: 3.89
8. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: 3.75
9. Charleston-North Charleston, SC: 3.66
10. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR: 3.63
Interestingly, Florida emerges as the state with the highest number of cities in the top 20 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians.
### Growing Danger: The Escalation of Pedestrian Fatalities in Large Metro Areas
Smart Growth America’s study also highlights the worrying fact that metropolitan areas are becoming increasingly hazardous for pedestrians. In 2009, only eight areas reported more than two pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents. However, in the 2014 report, that number more than doubled, reaching a staggering 18 areas. What is even more surprising is that the city ranked as the most dangerous in 2009, Orlando, wouldn’t even crack the top 20 in the 2024 report.
### Unveiling the Common Thread: Fast-Growing Areas in the South and Sunbelt Region
Delving deeper into the data, it becomes evident that fast-growing regions in the South and Sunbelt areas have become the deadliest for pedestrians. These places are experiencing a surge in pedestrian fatalities at rates surpassing population growth. For example, Florida has eight metros featured in the top 20 most dangerous areas for pedestrians. Jacksonville, positioned at number 15, has witnessed a slight decline in deaths over five years. However, this improvement is likely attributed to population growth rather than significant safety measures.
### Finding Solutions: State and Local Government Actions are Imperative
Addressing this pedestrian safety crisis requires proactive measures from state and local governments. Smart Growth America’s study highlights that 66% of all traffic deaths occurred on state-owned roads. Detroit and Buffalo, New York, serve as positive examples of metros that have succeeded in making pedestrians safer. Both cities managed to achieve double-digit percentages decreases in pedestrian deaths since 2018. Their success can serve as a blueprint for other areas grappling with this issue.
To combat this alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, state and local governments must prioritize pedestrian safety by implementing improved infrastructure, such as well-designed crosswalks, sufficient lighting, and traffic calming measures. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help promote safe driving and pedestrian behavior.
By taking swift and decisive action, American cities can reverse this disheartening trend and ensure that pedestrians can travel the streets safely, without the constant fear of becoming another statistic in this grim reality.