Recent data shows that in the second half of 2025, the pedestrian death rate from being hit by automotive vehicles has decreased by an astonishing 11%. “Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reveals how this was the single largest decline in pedestrian deaths since records began in 2015.”  This suggests that drivers and traffic laws have improved since 2015.

It’s good that Pedestrian death rates for Americans are going down overall, but in Arizona, the rates have only climbed since mid 2025.  In Arizona, “Two hundred sixty-three people were killed walking in Arizona in 2025. That’s five per week. Once every 33 hours.” Now, in Arizona, this death rate is double the National Pedestrian Death Rate.

Of all the states, Mississippi is the most dangerous for pedestrians, with an alarming rate of 33.40 per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the safest state for pedestrians is Massachusetts, with a very low fatality rate of 8.50 out of 100,000 people.

Two major factors that affect pedestrian fatalities are weather and time of day. The weather is a huge factor in driving; for example, if the weather is snowy or rainy, the car’s tires are going to have less traction, causing the car to turn less well, which could potentially cause a crash and death and The GHSA also states that, “one of the biggest determinants to pedestrian traffic deaths is darkness, which is likely why the southern states, with their larger and poorly-lit rural areas, record more deaths than the northern states.”. The time of day is also very important because, if it’s night and a pedestrian is dressed darkly a driver might not see them and accidentally hit a person.

It’s important that if driving, you’re cautious and aware of your surroundings, and if you’re walking, you always look both ways and are extra safe at night.