WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A new federal report broke down pedestrian fatality trends across the country in 2023.
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in 2023 in the U.S. That number was 5.4% lower than in 2022.
But in the DMV area, the pedestrian fatality numbers were higher than other areas.
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According to the GHSA report, D.C. and Maryland saw an increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2022 to 2023 and they aren’t the only areas. The report showed that in 2023, pedestrian fatalities increased in 21 states along with D.C. but decreased in 29 states.
The report showed that Maryland traffic fatalities went from 137 in 2022 to 161 in 2023; about an 18% difference.
D.C.’s pedestrian fatality numbers went from 19 to 20. The report showed pedestrian fatalities have been steadily going up since 2019 in the District.
But it’s not all bad news for the DMV as Virginia saw a decrease from 171 to 133 pedestrians killed in traffic incidents.
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The GHSA report listed some safety suggestions to help reduce the amount of people killed while walking on the roads:
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Reducing car speeds and the number of lanes pedestrians have to cross.
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Better lighting to help drivers see pedestrians especially at night, when most pedestrian fatalities occur.
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Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIS) at intersections which allow pedestrians to walk, usually three to four seconds, before the car gets a green signal to turn left or right.
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Banning right turns on red lights.
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Having more sidewalks for pedestrian to walk on instead of in the roadway.
In a statement to DC News Now, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, a group that advocates for pedestrians and Bicyclists in D.C., it said action needs to be done to decrease pedestrian fatalities.
“We take a risk anytime we use roads that weren’t designed to prioritize our safety. After a 16-year high in fatalities on DC roads last year, we cannot delay action. We need commitment and leadership from our elected leaders and agency officials to make the necessary changes to achieve Vision Zero, but we know it’s possible. We’re excited about policies like the STEER Act that will help close gaps in both the law and implementation, and new bike lane and trail projects, but we need additional policies and infrastructure to truly improve safety for people of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of travel– especially for people walking, rolling, and biking.”
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
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Some counties in the DMV were already implementing some of the safety suggestions.
Last year, Montgomery County passed the Safe Streets Act. The measure does not allow drivers to turn right on read at some busy intersections.
In Virginia, several counties put speed cameras in school zones.
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