Speeding, distractions, and large vehicles remain key factors in pedestrian crashes
Pedestrian accidents have become a troubling and persistent issue on America’s roads. While traffic fatalities overall have shown some signs of decline, pedestrians remain at serious risk.
Pedestrian deaths on U.S. roads dipped slightly during the first half of 2024, but Indiana moved in the opposite direction. While many states saw modest improvements, the Hoosier State was one of nearly two dozen where pedestrian fatalities went up.
Cities across the country have been working for years to make their streets safer for pedestrians. Programs like “Vision Zero,” which strive to eliminate deadly crashes, have led to lower speed limits, new bike lanes, and “traffic calming” road designs meant to slow traffic.
Yet the latest numbers show that for all the progress being made, far too many lives are still being lost.
What do national pedestrian fatality statistics look like?
Between January and June of 2024, 3,304 pedestrians were killed nationwide, according to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association. That’s 88 fewer deaths than during the same period in 2023. This is a slight improvement, but still a troubling number.
For context, pedestrian deaths in the first half of 2024 were 1,072 higher than they were a decade earlier. The report noted that since 2014, pedestrian fatalities have risen almost seven times faster than the country’s population growth.
Are Indiana’s numbers moving the wrong way?
In Indiana, 49 pedestrians were killed in the first half of 2024. This marks a 26% increase from the 39 deaths recorded during the same period a year earlier. That jump stands out at a time when overall national numbers have begun to inch downward.
Local advocates say the statistics reflect what they’re seeing on the ground. Indy Pedestrian Safety Crisis, a group that tracks pedestrian deaths, injuries, and safety incidents across the city, reported 41 pedestrian deaths in Indianapolis last year alone.
Those numbers represent not just data points, but real people whose lives were cut short on city streets.
Why are pedestrian fatalities on the rise?
Several factors have contributed to the increase in pedestrian accidents. The most obvious is speed. Drivers are traveling faster, and when a pedestrian crash occurs, higher speeds almost always mean greater harm to the person on foot. The growing popularity of large SUVs and pickup trucks has also played a role, as their size and weight make collisions with pedestrians especially deadly.
Distractions behind the wheel, such as texting or using navigation apps, have added another layer of danger. Many roads still lack safe crossings or sidewalks, forcing people to walk close to fast-moving traffic. Even poor lighting in certain neighborhoods can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians until it’s too late.
How are Indianapolis leaders addressing the problem?
Indianapolis leaders say they’re determined to reverse the trend. Last year, the City-County Council launched a Vision Zero Task Force to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes in the city by 2035.
During a past council meeting, a row of chairs in the audience sat empty. Each was marked with the name of a pedestrian killed in Indianapolis last year. The display was a quiet but powerful reminder of why the work matters.
For local advocates, the task force is a positive step, but they say urgency is key. According to Jakob Morales, who chairs the advocacy committee for Bike Indianapolis, while city officials appear to be taking safety concerns seriously, community groups aren’t letting up.
“People will continue to be killed,” he said, “so we need to act urgently.”
Injured? Contact an Indiana pedestrian accident lawyer today.
Getting hit by a car can feel like your world has stopped on impact. You're dealing with injuries, medical bills, and the uncertainty of how you'll make ends meet while you recover. The Indiana pedestrian accident lawyers at Glaser & Ebbs are here to help you start moving forward again.
We have spent decades standing up for injured pedestrians across Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and communities statewide. We know the road to recovery isn’t easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our legal team handles every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on healing while we fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
When you schedule your free consultation, you’ll meet with a dedicated pedestrian accident attorney who listens first and talks second. We’ll explain your legal options clearly, answer your questions, and outline the best strategy for your situation.
There’s no pressure, no hidden fees, and no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don't get paid unless we win your case.
If you were hurt in an Indiana pedestrian accident, don’t wait to take action. Evidence fades and witnesses move on, but your right to justice is worth protecting. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Whether we meet at one of our offices, your home, or your hospital room, we’ll be ready to listen, advise, and help you with the next steps.
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