Pedestrian Accidents Surge: Causes and Prevention Tips
Published: 11/9/2025 | Written by Elliot Bourne (Partner)
Explore the rise in pedestrian accidents and discover effective causes and prevention tips to enhance safety on our roads.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Are Rising—And How Georgia Can Prevent Them
Pedestrian deaths have stayed stubbornly high across the United States. In 2023, 7,314 people on foot were killed and an estimated 68,244 were hurt in traffic crashes. Pedestrians made up 18% of all traffic deaths that year. While 2023 showed a slight drop from 2022, the numbers are still far above where they were a decade ago. Compared with 2014, pedestrian deaths are up by almost 50%.
What’s driving the rise?
The pattern behind these crashes is clear. Most pedestrian deaths happen in cities, after dark, and away from intersections. In 2023, 84% occurred in urban areas, 77% in the dark, and 74% at places that were not intersections. These are locations where speeds are higher, lighting can be poor, and safe crossings are spread far apart.
Risky behavior plays a big role. In 46% of fatal pedestrian crashes, either the driver, the pedestrian, or both had alcohol in their system (BAC of .01 g/dL or higher). Nearly one in four people killed on foot were struck by hit‑and‑run drivers. Seventy percent of those killed were male.
Road design and vehicles matter, too. NHTSA notes that the roadway environment, vehicle type and design, weather, and road‑user behavior all contribute to pedestrian risk—and these factors compound each other. Fast, wide roads with long distances between crosswalks, poor lighting, distraction, and impairment make walking more dangerous.
High-Risk Factors for Pedestrian Accidents
- 84% occur in urban areas
- 77% happen in the dark
- 74% are away from intersections
- 46% involve alcohol (driver, pedestrian, or both)
- 25% are hit-and-run crashes
A closer look at Georgia
Georgia shares these national concerns. In 2023, Georgia recorded 310 pedestrian deaths, representing 19.2% of all traffic fatalities in the state, for a pedestrian fatality rate of 2.81 per 100,000 people. In the City of Atlanta, 23 pedestrians were killed; pedestrian deaths were 27.4% of all traffic fatalities.
With 310 pedestrian deaths in 2023, Georgia faces a serious pedestrian safety crisis. Nearly 1 in 5 traffic fatalities in our state involve people on foot. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights.
Prevention: what works for drivers, walkers, and communities
Improving pedestrian safety is possible. NHTSA’s research and public guidance point to steps everyone can take.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Cross at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing
- Wear bright or reflective clothing at night
- Use sidewalks when available; if not, walk facing traffic
- Stay alert - avoid phones and earbuds near traffic
- Never walk while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Carry a small flashlight to increase visibility at night
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Reduce speed in neighborhoods and business districts
- Scan for pedestrians at corners and mid-block crossings
- Be prepared to stop before turning
- Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk
- Watch for pedestrians around bus stops
- Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Eliminate distractions - put your phone away
How Bourne Law Firm can help
Bourne Law Firm represents injured people across Georgia. If you or a loved one was hit while walking—on the job, on a lunch break, in a parking lot, or on the way to or from work—you may have options under workers’ compensation for on-the-job injuries and a pedestrian accident claim against the at‑fault driver. Our team listens, investigates the crash, and fights to recover medical costs, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering.
Injured as a Pedestrian?
Don't face the insurance companies alone. Our experienced attorneys will fight to recover your medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for your injuries. Free consultation, no obligation.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian crash anywhere in Georgia, call Bourne Law Firm for a free consultation. We’re here to help you take the next step to recovery.