A new national report shows pedestrian deaths dropped 11 percent in the first half of 2025 — the largest decline in 15 years — but the numbers are still higher than before the pandemic.
The Governors Highway Safety Association says 3,024 people were struck and killed by drivers in early 2025, down by 371 from the same period last year. Fatalities fell in 23 states, with major declines in Alabama, California, Maryland, New Mexico and New York.
Despite the improvement, the GHSA warns that pedestrian deaths remain above 2019 levels, calling the trend a sign that dangerous driving behaviors that surged during the pandemic have not fully reversed.
The highest death rates per 100,000 people were reported in Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina and Arizona. The lowest were in Idaho, Rhode Island, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Some states are testing new safety measures. New Mexico, which had the nation’s highest rate in 2023 and 2024, cut its pedestrian deaths nearly in half after installing flashing crosswalk alerts. Hawaii is considering legislation requiring drivers to stop — and stay stopped — for pedestrians in crosswalks.
The GHSA says continued improvements will depend on stronger laws, safer road design and new technology to protect people on foot.
