A new analysis of pedestrian fatalities across the United States is raising alarms about the relationship between traffic congestion and pedestrian safety. Conducted by the Chaikin Trial Group, the study reveals that slower-moving traffic in congested cities does not necessarily equate to safer conditions for people on foot. In fact, several metropolitan areas with relatively low congestion are experiencing disproportionately high pedestrian death rates, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure reform.

According to the findings, pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. have surged in recent years, even as other high-income nations have seen declines. Between 2013 and 2022, overall traffic-related deaths in the U.S. increased by 22.5 percent, but pedestrian deaths rose by a staggering 50 percent. This divergence highlights systemic issues in road design, enforcement, and visibility that go beyond traffic volume alone.

The study introduces a “Pedestrian Danger-Per-Congestion Index,” which compares fatality rates to hours of traffic delay in major metro areas. Cities such as Tampa, New Orleans, Phoenix, Austin, and San Antonio rank among the most dangerous, despite recording fewer than 40 hours of congestion annually. Tampa, for instance, reported a high fatality rate alongside just 28 hours of congestion, suggesting that open roads and higher vehicle speeds are contributing to severe pedestrian risks.

By contrast, cities with heavy congestion but strong pedestrian infrastructure—such as Boston, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia—ranked among the safest. Boston, despite 79 hours of congestion, recorded one of the lowest danger scores thanks to walkable design and slower traffic speeds. New York, with 102 hours of congestion, also demonstrated relatively low pedestrian fatalities due to extensive crosswalks, transit options, and traffic-calming measures.

Regional disparities are stark. Southern metros dominate the list of most dangerous cities, with Florida and Texas accounting for six of the top 15. Eight of the ten riskiest metros are located in the South, where sprawling roadways, high-speed corridors, and limited pedestrian crossings are common. Northeastern cities, by contrast, benefit from older urban layouts that naturally slow traffic and prioritize walkability.

The study also identifies common causes of pedestrian fatalities nationwide. More than half of deaths in 2023 were linked to drivers failing to yield the right of way. Other contributing factors included improper roadway crossings, poor visibility due to inadequate lighting, and pedestrians suddenly entering roadways. High-speed arterial roads without traffic-calming features were particularly dangerous.

The implications for policymakers are clear: congestion alone is not a reliable measure of pedestrian safety. Cities must prioritize infrastructure improvements such as safer crossings, better lighting, slower vehicle speeds, and expanded public transit. Enforcement of traffic laws, particularly yielding to pedestrians, is also critical.

The Chaikin Trial Group’s research adds to a growing body of evidence that pedestrian safety requires intentional design choices. As fatalities continue to rise, the study serves as a call to action for city leaders, planners, and advocates to rethink what makes streets truly safe. With more than 7,000 pedestrian deaths recorded in 2024, the urgency of addressing these issues cannot be overstated.