There were 7,314 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes across the U.S. in 2023, a 4-percent decrease from the 7,593 pedestrian fatalities in 2022. Another 68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2023, a 1% increase from 67,341 pedestrians injured in 2022. In New Jersey, 165 pedestrians were killed in car crashes during 2023, the latest year that data are available from the State Police. While that's a decline from 193 pedestrians killed in 2022, that's still almost one fatality every two days.
Despite the declines in the most recent years, these are still startling numbers: On average, a pedestrian died every 72 minutes across the United States and one was injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2023. Pedestrians accounted for 18 percent of all traffic deaths in 2023 and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes.
That's why during October, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mark National Pedestrian Safety Month to raise awareness. NHTSA offers many resources, including these important safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
Walking Safety Tips
- Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
Those are just some things that motorists and pedestrians can do on their own, every day. If you're looking to do more in your community, have a look at our
Resources page to see what tools might be appropriate or perhaps
partner with us on a Street Smart campaign. Teaneck, Bergen County,
launched a campaign in April, among the dozens of Street Smart campaigns across the state, from Sussex to Cape May and Camden to Bergen.