--- description: A comprehensive investigation reveals pedestrian deaths rose 70% from 2010-2023 while other developed nations saw declines. Learn what road design factors are driving this crisis. title: Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising & What the Latest Data Reveals --- Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising & What the Latest Data Reveals # Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising — And What the Latest Data Reveals Last Updated: November 19, 2025 Reading Time: 8 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 8 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Recent Posts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/) » Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising — And What the Latest Data Reveals What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $6 Million Brain Injury $2.4 Million Brain Injury $2 Million Brain Injury $2 Million Brain Injury $ 1.8 Millon Brain Injury [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) I would never worry again if they are on the case. 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Three of the firm’s partners — including the co-founders of the Brain Injury Association of Metropolitan Washington, DC — discuss TBI litigation, the firm’s preferred attorney status with the Brain Injury Association of America, and the DC Athletic Concussion Protection Act, which attorney Joseph Cammarata drafted into law. Video Transcript **Ira Sherman (00:01):** Your brain is like the yolk in an egg, so when you shake the egg, you don’t have to crack it. You just go like that, and the yolk is affected. I was on the board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. I was treasurer of the Brain Injury Association of America. Mr. Camara and I started the DC chapter, the Affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America, which didn’t exist. We are the preferred lawyers of the Brain Injury Association in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. And what I mean by that is, is that the Brain Injury Association of America designates individual attorneys that they recognize as being experienced in handling cases involving traumatic brain injury to determine if they have a case and make sure that it’s handled properly. **Allan Siegel (00:54):** You get hurt in sports and you get sent right back into the game, or you knocked your head and you get back up and you go about your day. Nobody really thought much about those injuries a long time ago, but we did. We understood the seriousness of those types of injuries and how sometimes you could have serious ongoing effects from what is even a mild traumatic brain injury or what is often referred to as a concussion. **Joseph Cammarata (01:21):** I co-founded the Brain Injury Association of Washington, DC. I drafted legislation which became law in the District of Columbia to protect youth athletes from concussion. Concussion is a brain injury, a traumatic brain injury that can cause significant harm, cognitive deficits, emotional disturbances, vision problems, hearing problems. And so it’s important to be able to do the investigation, but do the legwork that’s necessary to put together the case to establish that there has been harm, but it’s invisible, right? You can’t see it, but the impact is real. And so it’s our job to bring to life the impact and show that this is real as a result of some trauma. Walking along major roads in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region often means navigating long distances between crosswalks, fast-moving multilane traffic, and areas that become nearly invisible after dark. According to a recent Washington Post investigation, these familiar frustrations are part of a broader national pattern that helps explain why pedestrian deaths in the United States have climbed sharply over the past decade. According to the [Governors Highway Safety Association](https://www.ghsa.org/resource-hub/pedestrian-traffic-fatalities-2024-data), between 2010 and 2023, pedestrian fatalities increased by2010 and 2023, pedestrian fatalities increased by 70% — from 4,302 deaths to 7,314 — while other developed nations saw declines of nearly 30 percent. The new analysis, which draws on federal crash data, census records, and thousands of police reports, makes the rise difficult to dismiss as a matter of individual behavior or bad luck. Instead, it shows how certain road designs create conditions where severe crashes are far more likely. For those seeking more background on these types of incidents, our firm maintains a dedicated resource for[ pedestrian accident lawyers in Washington, D.C](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/). ## A Growing Concentration of Deadly Corridors One of the most striking findings is the rapid growth of what researchers call “hot spots,” places where at least three pedestrians were killed within a one-mile radius. These dangerous corridors tripled between 2010 and 2023, appearing not only in large Sun Belt cities but in communities across the country. Examples from the investigation are dramatic—34 deaths along three miles of Central Avenue in Albuquerque, 36 along a short stretch of Westheimer Road in Houston, 67 along Tampa’s Hillsborough Avenue. The D.C. region has its own versions. Routes such as New York Avenue NE, segments of Route 1 in Prince George’s County, and stretches of Leesburg Pike illustrate the same pattern: wide roads designed decades ago for through-traffic, later surrounded by homes, retail, and transit access, but never redesigned for the people who now walk along them. ## The Common Traits of High-Risk Roads The roads most associated with fatal crashes tend to share a familiar set of characteristics. They are typically wide—often four to eight lanes—built to move vehicles quickly and efficiently rather than safely. Crosswalks and signals can be spaced a half-mile to a mile apart, pushing many pedestrians to attempt crossings at unmarked locations. Speed limits of 40 mph or more are common, even in areas with significant foot traffic, and actual driving speeds often exceed posted limits. After dark, poor lighting makes it harder for drivers to see people stepping into the roadway and harder for pedestrians to judge oncoming traffic. These are not isolated quirks. They are design choices, and the investigation makes clear that they produce predictable outcomes. ## Who Bears the Brunt The data also shows the burden is not shared evenly. Fatalities are disproportionately concentrated in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods and in communities with higher poverty rates. Native American and Black pedestrians are killed at significantly higher rates than White pedestrians. Many of these neighborhoods also have high numbers of households without access to a vehicle, meaning residents walk not by choice but necessity—often along the very corridors where crossing safely is most difficult. ## Why Crashes Are Becoming Deadlier The severity of crashes has increased as well. More than half of pedestrian deaths in 2023 involved people who died at the scene, a rate that has more than doubled since 2010. The combination of higher vehicle speeds and today’s larger, heavier vehicles—SUVs and trucks with tall front ends—leads to more catastrophic injuries. Serious trauma, including the types of injuries handled by[ brain injury lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/), becomes far more likely at higher speeds. When impact speeds reach 50 mph, survival odds drop below 20%. ## Progress Has Been Slow Despite years of warnings from safety researchers, efforts to redesign dangerous roads have lagged. Many transportation agencies continue to prioritize moving vehicles quickly over protecting pedestrians, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods with less political pressure for change. Federal funding exists for safety improvements, but most infrastructure dollars still aren’t tied to safety outcomes. Meanwhile, policy shifts at the federal level have complicated the issue, including recent decisions to reclaim pedestrian-safety grants criticized as “hostile to motor vehicles.” ## What Research Shows Can Help The solutions themselves are not mysterious. Lowering speed limits on pedestrian-heavy corridors, adding protected crossings more frequently, redesigning intersections to slow turning vehicles, improving lighting, and narrowing excessively wide roadways are among the most effective strategies. The challenge lies in applying these tools consistently and prioritizing safety over convenience. ## When Crashes Happen, the Legal Questions Are Broader Than They Seem Determining liability after a pedestrian accident is rarely straightforward. Drivers have a legal duty to remain alert and exercise reasonable care, but they are not the only ones responsible for safety. Municipalities and property owners play roles as well, from maintaining adequate lighting to ensuring crossings and sidewalks are safe. Where a road’s design is known to create dangerous conditions—high speeds, long distances between crosswalks, poor visibility—the question of responsibility often extends to the entities that planned, built, or maintained the roadway. Understanding these systemic factors can be crucial for families seeking answers and for building strong legal cases in the aftermath of a tragedy. More details are available through our team of[ pedestrian accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/). ## How Our Firm Approaches These Cases At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we have represented pedestrian accident victims throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for decades. Our work goes beyond examining driver behavior; we also investigate how the design and condition of the roadway may have contributed to the crash. Many of the patterns highlighted by this investigation mirror what we routinely uncover in our own cases, including overlaps with cases handled by our car accident lawyers. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, our[ pedestrian accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/) are here to help. Consultations are free and confidential. Call us at 202-659-8600 to discuss your situation. ## The Path Forward The 70% rise in pedestrian deaths over just 13 years demands attention. The evidence shows that many of these deaths occur in environments that could be redesigned to be far safer. Creating streets where people can walk without fear will require sustained investment, political commitment, and a recognition that the way we build roads has real, measurable consequences. # Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising — And What the Latest Data Reveals Walking along major roads in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region often means navigating long distances between crosswalks, fast-moving multilane traffic, and areas that become nearly invisible after dark. According to a recent Washington Post investigation, these familiar frustrations are part of a broader national pattern that helps explain why pedestrian deaths in the United States have climbed sharply over the past decade. According to the [Governors Highway Safety Association](https://www.ghsa.org/resource-hub/pedestrian-traffic-fatalities-2024-data), between 2010 and 2023, pedestrian fatalities increased by2010 and 2023, pedestrian fatalities increased by 70% — from 4,302 deaths to 7,314 — while other developed nations saw declines of nearly 30 percent. The new analysis, which draws on federal crash data, census records, and thousands of police reports, makes the rise difficult to dismiss as a matter of individual behavior or bad luck. Instead, it shows how certain road designs create conditions where severe crashes are far more likely. For those seeking more background on these types of incidents, our firm maintains a dedicated resource for[ pedestrian accident lawyers in Washington, D.C](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/). ## A Growing Concentration of Deadly Corridors One of the most striking findings is the rapid growth of what researchers call “hot spots,” places where at least three pedestrians were killed within a one-mile radius. These dangerous corridors tripled between 2010 and 2023, appearing not only in large Sun Belt cities but in communities across the country. Examples from the investigation are dramatic—34 deaths along three miles of Central Avenue in Albuquerque, 36 along a short stretch of Westheimer Road in Houston, 67 along Tampa’s Hillsborough Avenue. The D.C. region has its own versions. Routes such as New York Avenue NE, segments of Route 1 in Prince George’s County, and stretches of Leesburg Pike illustrate the same pattern: wide roads designed decades ago for through-traffic, later surrounded by homes, retail, and transit access, but never redesigned for the people who now walk along them. ## The Common Traits of High-Risk Roads The roads most associated with fatal crashes tend to share a familiar set of characteristics. They are typically wide—often four to eight lanes—built to move vehicles quickly and efficiently rather than safely. Crosswalks and signals can be spaced a half-mile to a mile apart, pushing many pedestrians to attempt crossings at unmarked locations. Speed limits of 40 mph or more are common, even in areas with significant foot traffic, and actual driving speeds often exceed posted limits. After dark, poor lighting makes it harder for drivers to see people stepping into the roadway and harder for pedestrians to judge oncoming traffic. These are not isolated quirks. They are design choices, and the investigation makes clear that they produce predictable outcomes. ## Who Bears the Brunt The data also shows the burden is not shared evenly. Fatalities are disproportionately concentrated in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods and in communities with higher poverty rates. Native American and Black pedestrians are killed at significantly higher rates than White pedestrians. Many of these neighborhoods also have high numbers of households without access to a vehicle, meaning residents walk not by choice but necessity—often along the very corridors where crossing safely is most difficult. ## Why Crashes Are Becoming Deadlier The severity of crashes has increased as well. More than half of pedestrian deaths in 2023 involved people who died at the scene, a rate that has more than doubled since 2010. The combination of higher vehicle speeds and today’s larger, heavier vehicles—SUVs and trucks with tall front ends—leads to more catastrophic injuries. Serious trauma, including the types of injuries handled by[ brain injury lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/), becomes far more likely at higher speeds. When impact speeds reach 50 mph, survival odds drop below 20%. ## Progress Has Been Slow Despite years of warnings from safety researchers, efforts to redesign dangerous roads have lagged. Many transportation agencies continue to prioritize moving vehicles quickly over protecting pedestrians, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods with less political pressure for change. Federal funding exists for safety improvements, but most infrastructure dollars still aren’t tied to safety outcomes. Meanwhile, policy shifts at the federal level have complicated the issue, including recent decisions to reclaim pedestrian-safety grants criticized as “hostile to motor vehicles.” ## What Research Shows Can Help The solutions themselves are not mysterious. Lowering speed limits on pedestrian-heavy corridors, adding protected crossings more frequently, redesigning intersections to slow turning vehicles, improving lighting, and narrowing excessively wide roadways are among the most effective strategies. The challenge lies in applying these tools consistently and prioritizing safety over convenience. ## When Crashes Happen, the Legal Questions Are Broader Than They Seem Determining liability after a pedestrian accident is rarely straightforward. Drivers have a legal duty to remain alert and exercise reasonable care, but they are not the only ones responsible for safety. Municipalities and property owners play roles as well, from maintaining adequate lighting to ensuring crossings and sidewalks are safe. Where a road’s design is known to create dangerous conditions—high speeds, long distances between crosswalks, poor visibility—the question of responsibility often extends to the entities that planned, built, or maintained the roadway. Understanding these systemic factors can be crucial for families seeking answers and for building strong legal cases in the aftermath of a tragedy. More details are available through our team of[ pedestrian accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/). ## How Our Firm Approaches These Cases At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we have represented pedestrian accident victims throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for decades. Our work goes beyond examining driver behavior; we also investigate how the design and condition of the roadway may have contributed to the crash. Many of the patterns highlighted by this investigation mirror what we routinely uncover in our own cases, including overlaps with cases handled by our car accident lawyers. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, our[ pedestrian accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/pedestrian-accidents/) are here to help. Consultations are free and confidential. Call us at 202-659-8600 to discuss your situation. ## The Path Forward The 70% rise in pedestrian deaths over just 13 years demands attention. The evidence shows that many of these deaths occur in environments that could be redesigned to be far safer. Creating streets where people can walk without fear will require sustained investment, political commitment, and a recognition that the way we build roads has real, measurable consequences. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The brain injury attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. — including Senior Partner Joseph Cammarata, who co-founded the Brain Injury Association of D.C. and authored the District of Columbia Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011 — represent clients across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in [concussion claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/), [blunt force trauma cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/blunt-force-trauma/), and matters involving the [causes of traumatic brain injury](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/causes/), with experience guiding families through [TBI treatment decisions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/treatment-for-traumatic-brain-injury/) and long-term recovery. Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Blunt Force Trauma to the Head Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Brain Injuries Concussions Brain Injury Causes Washington DC Brain Injury Lawyer Why Pedestrian Deaths Keep Rising — And What the Latest Data Reveals Walking along major roads in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region often means navigating Read More » 11/19/2025 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2025/07/partner-allan-m-siegel-elected-treasurer-of-aaj-brain-injury-litigation-group-and-secretary-of-aaj-trucking-litigation-group/) Brain Injury Partner Allan M. 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