Auto Insurance
Pedestrian Fatalities Rise 22% in 5 Years; Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Fatalities Increase 45% in Same Period
Pedestrian fatalities are rising. According to the latest ValuePenguin study, pedestrian fatalities grew 21.6% between 2017 and 2021. In that same five years, pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities increased by 44.8%.
In addition to exploring our findings, stick around to learn how to ensure auto insurance is up to date for these worst-case scenarios.
On this page
- Key findings
- Pedestrian fatalities rose 21.6% over 5 years
- New Mexico had the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per capita in 2021
- Pedestrian fatalities rose the most in North Dakota over 5 years
- Rate of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities highest in the District of Columbia
- Pedestrian-involved accidents: What to know, how to prepare
- Methodology
Key findings
- Nationally, 7,388 pedestrians were killed by drivers in 2021, a 21.6% increase from the 6,075 deaths in 2017. Of the pedestrian fatalities in 2021, 1,781 (or 24.1%) were hit-and-runs, compared with 1,230 (or 20.2%) in 2017. That represents a 44.8% increase in pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities over the five years, or a 19.1% increase in the percentage of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs.
- In 2021, New Mexico had the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per capita. 102 pedestrian fatalities occurred that year in New Mexico, or 48.4 per million residents. Louisiana and Florida followed at 39.5 per million residents (184 fatalities overall) and 38.3 per million residents (817 fatalities), respectively.
- North Dakota, Wyoming and Hawaii saw the largest increases in pedestrian fatalities between 2017 and 2021. However, these are smaller states with fewer fatalities overall. In North Dakota, for example, fatalities rose 100.0% from five in 2017 to 10 in 2021. Therefore, a single accident can increase percentages dramatically.
- Comparing the five-year annual average of pedestrian fatalities between 2012 and 2016 and between 2017 and 2021, Tennessee had the biggest jump. Pedestrian fatalities in Tennessee rose 73.3% between these periods. South Dakota (71.9%) and Wyoming (66.7%) had the next biggest increases in the annual average of pedestrian fatalities.
- The District of Columbia had the highest rate of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities in 2021. Here, 44.4% of pedestrian fatalities were hit-and-runs. D.C. was followed by Vermont (37.5%) and Kentucky (36.0%). Expanding that to the rate of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs between 2017 and 2021, the District of Columbia still ranked first at 35.6%, followed by Alaska (33.3%).
Pedestrian fatalities rose 21.6% over 5 years
In 2017, 6,075 pedestrians were killed by drivers. That figure rose 21.6% to 7,388 in 2021 — the latest year available at the time of research.
According to ValuePenguin auto insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar, the increase is concerning for several reasons. "It’s a reflection of how dangerous our roads are becoming to pedestrians — and it’s a trend that’s been going on for decades," she says.
Looking beyond our analyzed period, pedestrian fatalities rose 53.3% between 2012 and 2021.
Why are our roads so deadly for pedestrians? "There isn’t a simple explanation, but factors like poor road design, insufficient pedestrian walkways and cities or towns built around the assumption that residents will drive everywhere likely play a role," she says. "The cars we drive have also gotten bigger and deadlier. And when the pandemic hit, the increase in reckless driving made the roads more dangerous for pedestrians."
Notably, the biggest spike in pedestrian fatalities across the years analyzed occurred just after the pandemic. In 2020, 6,565 pedestrians were killed by drivers, rising 12.5% to 7,388 in 2021.
Year-over-year percentage increase in pedestrian fatalities
Year | % increase |
|---|---|
| 2013 | -0.8% |
| 2014 | 2.7% |
| 2015 | 11.9% |
| 2016 | 10.7% |
| 2017 | -0.1% |
| 2018 | 4.9% |
| 2019 | -1.6% |
| 2020 | 4.7% |
| 2021 | 12.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST).
Not only are pedestrian fatalities rising, but a larger share of these fatalities are hit-and-runs. In 2017, 1,230 pedestrians were killed in hit-and-runs, or 20.2% of the pedestrian fatalities that year. In 2021, hit-and-run fatalities rose to 1,781, or 24.1% of pedestrian fatalities.
All in all, pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities rose 44.8% in those five years, while the percentage of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs rose 19.1%.
Year-over-year percentage increase in pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities
Year | % increase |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3.9% |
| 2014 | 0.2% |
| 2015 | 5.0% |
| 2016 | 0.3% |
| 2017 | -1.2% |
| 2018 | 0.0% |
| 2019 | 2.8% |
| 2020 | 17.3% |
| 2021 | -1.3% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
Looking wider, 901 pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities occurred in 2012, making up 18.7% of pedestrian fatalities. That means pedestrian hit-and-runs rose 97.7% between 2012 and 2021, while the percentage of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs increased 28.9% in the same period.
It’s not just pedestrian hit-and-runs, either. Overall fatal hit-and-runs spiked 89.4% over that same 10 years, according to an August 2023 ValuePenguin study. Where were pedestrian fatalities most likely to occur in 2021 — and who did they involve? Across all pedestrian fatalities in 2021, just 30.7% occurred where a sidewalk was present. Meanwhile, 22.8% took place at an intersection and 15.6% in a marked crosswalk.
Looking at various demographics, 70.6% of victims were men. Additionally, 68.8% of those killed were 25 to 64 years old.
Here’s a wider look at the locations of the incidents, victim demographics and the vehicles involved, all based on 2021 pedestrian fatalities:
2021 pedestrian fatalities, by locations, demographics and vehicles involved
Location of incident | # of pedestrian fatalities | % of pedestrian fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk present | 2,271 | 30.7% |
| In an intersection | 1,686 | 22.8% |
| In a marked crosswalk | 1,150 | 15.6% |
| Victim demographics | # of pedestrian fatalities | % of pedestrian fatalities |
| Male victims | 5,171 | 70.6% |
| Female victims | 2,154 | 29.4% |
| Younger than 5 | 61 | 0.8% |
| 5 to 15 years old | 131 | 1.8% |
| 16 to 24 years old | 628 | 8.5% |
| 25 to 64 years old | 5,084 | 68.8% |
| 65 and older | 1,375 | 18.6% |
| Age unknown | 109 | 1.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
As for the vehicles involved, 35.3% were passenger cars, while 24.0% were utility trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pickup trucks and vehicles with a hood height greater than 40 inches are about 45% more likely to cause fatalities in pedestrian crashes than vehicles with a hood height of 30 inches or less.
New Mexico had the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per capita in 2021
New Mexico had the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities per capita in 2021. The state had 102 pedestrian fatalities that year, translating to 48.4 per million residents. Notably, 49 of these occurred in Bernalillo County, home to Albuquerque.
A 2022 Smart Growth America study found Albuquerque to be the second most dangerous U.S. metro for pedestrians. The study also found that people of color — particularly American Indians or Alaska Natives — and people in low-income areas are more likely to be killed walking. Albuquerque has a significant population of American Indians and Alaska Natives, and the median income there is far below the U.S. median. Additionally, Albuquerque has a higher-than-average poverty rate.
Following New Mexico, Louisiana ranked second. There were 184 pedestrian fatalities in the state in 2021, or 39.5 per million residents. That’s followed by Florida, with 817 fatalities, or 38.3 per million residents. Like New Mexico, Louisiana and Florida have median incomes below the U.S. median and poverty rates that are higher than average.
5 states with the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities (2021)
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities | Fatalities per million residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | 102 | 48.4 |
| 2 | Louisiana | 184 | 39.5 |
| 3 | Florida | 817 | 38.3 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 190 | 37.4 |
| 5 | Arizona | 248 | 35.0 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST and the U.S. Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey with five-year estimates.
Sangameshwar says a high rate of pedestrian fatalities across a state can contribute to rising auto insurance rates.
"Pedestrian crashes and fatalities are seen as a risk factor by insurers, who also look at the number of uninsured drivers on the road, the number of accidents in the area, crime in the area and extreme weather when determining how much they’ll raise or lower rates in an area," she says.
On the other end of the list, New Hampshire had the fewest fatalities per capita, with eight pedestrian fatalities in 2021, or 5.8 per million residents. That’s followed by Rhode Island (seven pedestrian fatalities, or 6.4 per million residents) and Nebraska (15 fatalities, or 7.7 per million residents).
Full rankings
States with the highest/lowest rates of pedestrian fatalities (2021)
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities | Fatalities per million residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | 102 | 48.4 |
| 2 | Louisiana | 184 | 39.5 |
| 3 | Florida | 817 | 38.3 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 190 | 37.4 |
| 5 | Arizona | 248 | 35.0 |
| 6 | Mississippi | 94 | 31.7 |
| 7 | Delaware | 29 | 29.5 |
| 8 | Georgia | 306 | 28.8 |
| 9 | Texas | 817 | 28.3 |
| 10 | California | 1,108 | 28.1 |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 106 | 26.8 |
| 12 | Arkansas | 79 | 26.3 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST and the Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey with five-year estimates.
Pedestrian fatalities rose the most in North Dakota over 5 years
Across the key period (2017 to 2021) analyzed, North Dakota saw the largest increase in pedestrian fatalities. Here, fatalities rose 100.0% from five in 2017 to 10 in 2021. That’s followed by Wyoming, which saw an 83.3% increase from six in 2017 to 11 in 2021. Hawaii rounded out the top three, with pedestrian fatalities increasing 78.6% from 14 to 25.
Since these are smaller states with fewer fatalities, it doesn’t take much for percentages to increase dramatically.
5 states with the largest increases in pedestrian fatalities
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities, 2017 | Pedestrian fatalities, 2021 | Difference | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 5 | 10 | 5 | 100.0% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 6 | 11 | 5 | 83.3% |
| 3 | Hawaii | 14 | 25 | 11 | 78.6% |
| 4 | Arkansas | 47 | 79 | 32 | 68.1% |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 11 | 18 | 7 | 63.6% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
Comparing the five-year annual average of pedestrian fatalities between 2012 and 2016 and between 2017 and 2021 may paint a fuller picture. By this analysis, Tennessee had the biggest jump. Here, pedestrian fatalities increased by 73.3% from an average of 87.0 between 2012 and 2016 to an average of 150.8 between 2017 and 2021.
According to an August 2022 report from the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University, urban pedestrian fatalities in particular have spiked across the state. Additionally, the report found that pedestrian fatalities have risen in non-intersection locations, multilane roads and roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph and higher.
5 states with the largest increases in average annual pedestrian fatalities
Rank | State | Average annual pedestrian fatalities (2012 to 2016) | Average annual pedestrian fatalities (2017 to 2021) | Difference | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee | 87.0 | 150.8 | 63.8 | 73.3% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 6.4 | 11.0 | 4.6 | 71.9% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 4.8 | 8.0 | 3.2 | 66.7% |
| 4 | Mississippi | 55.0 | 84.8 | 29.8 | 54.2% |
| 5 | Washington | 72.4 | 110.4 | 38.0 | 52.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
Following Tennessee, South Dakota had the next biggest increase (71.9%) in fatalities, rising from an average of 6.4 between 2012 and 2016 to 11.0 between 2017 and 2021. Wyoming rounded out the top three, with average fatalities jumping 66.7% from 4.8 to 8.0.
Full rankings
States with the largest increases/decreases in pedestrian fatalities
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities, 2017 | Pedestrian fatalities, 2021 | Difference | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 5 | 10 | 5 | 100.0% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 6 | 11 | 5 | 83.3% |
| 3 | Hawaii | 14 | 25 | 11 | 78.6% |
| 4 | Arkansas | 47 | 79 | 32 | 68.1% |
| 5 | District of Columbia | 11 | 18 | 7 | 63.6% |
| 6 | Louisiana | 115 | 184 | 69 | 60.0% |
| 7 | Tennessee | 121 | 177 | 56 | 46.3% |
| 8 | Illinois | 147 | 209 | 62 | 42.2% |
| 9 | Idaho | 15 | 21 | 6 | 40.0% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 10 | 14 | 4 | 40.0% |
| 11 | West Virginia | 26 | 36 | 10 | 38.5% |
| 12 | Washington | 104 | 142 | 38 | 36.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
States with the largest increases/decreases in average annual pedestrian fatalities
Rank | State | Average annual pedestrian fatalities (2012 to 2016) | Average annual pedestrian fatalities (2017 to 2021) | Difference | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee | 87.0 | 150.8 | 63.8 | 73.3% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 6.4 | 11.0 | 4.6 | 71.9% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 4.8 | 8.0 | 3.2 | 66.7% |
| 4 | Mississippi | 55.0 | 84.8 | 29.8 | 54.2% |
| 5 | Washington | 72.4 | 110.4 | 38.0 | 52.5% |
| 6 | Arizona | 151.2 | 225.8 | 74.6 | 49.3% |
| 7 | Arkansas | 44.6 | 66.4 | 21.8 | 48.9% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 13.4 | 19.4 | 6.0 | 44.8% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 119.4 | 172.2 | 52.8 | 44.2% |
| 10 | Georgia | 186.4 | 267.2 | 80.8 | 43.3% |
| 11 | New Mexico | 62.6 | 84.4 | 21.8 | 34.8% |
| 12 | Ohio | 107.0 | 144.0 | 37.0 | 34.6% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
Rate of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities highest in the District of Columbia
When it comes to pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities, the District of Columbia had the highest rate in 2021. Here, 44.4% of pedestrian fatalities were hit-and-runs. That’s followed by Vermont and Kentucky, at 37.5% and 36.0%, respectively.
5 states with the highest rates of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities (2021)
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities, 2021 | Pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities, 2021 | % of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 18 | 8 | 44.4% |
| 2 | Vermont | 8 | 3 | 37.5% |
| 3 | Kentucky | 75 | 27 | 36.0% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 53 | 19 | 35.9% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 102 | 34 | 33.3% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
As for the rate of hit-and-runs between 2017 and 2021, the District of Columbia remained the top state, with 35.6% of pedestrian fatalities being hit-and-runs during this period. That’s followed by Alaska at 33.3%. (Tennessee and North Dakota tied for third at 29.4%.)
5 states with the highest rates of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities (2017 to 2021)
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities, 2017 to 2021 | Pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities, 2017 to 2021 | % of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 59 | 21 | 35.6% |
| 2 | Alaska | 63 | 21 | 33.3% |
| 3 | Tennessee | 754 | 222 | 29.4% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 34 | 10 | 29.4% |
| 5 | Illinois | 859 | 248 | 28.9% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
According to Sangameshwar, hit-and-runs are another complex area for insurers.
"Because they’re collisions and also crimes, a large number or increase in hit-and-runs in any area will factor in both crash rates and crime numbers in an area," she says. "This will raise the area’s risk, and insurance premiums will spike as a result. Hit-and-runs are also seen as a symptom of other risky driving behaviors, like driving under the influence, distracted driving or speeding — which insurers can factor into their rate calculations."
Full rankings
States with the highest/lowest rates of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities (2021)
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities, 2021 | Pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities, 2021 | % of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 18 | 8 | 44.4% |
| 2 | Vermont | 8 | 3 | 37.5% |
| 3 | Kentucky | 75 | 27 | 36.0% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 53 | 19 | 35.9% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 102 | 34 | 33.3% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 50 | 16 | 32.0% |
| 7 | Alaska | 16 | 5 | 31.3% |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 48 | 15 | 31.3% |
| 9 | Illinois | 209 | 65 | 31.1% |
| 10 | New York | 293 | 85 | 29.0% |
| 11 | California | 1,108 | 313 | 28.3% |
| 11 | Tennessee | 177 | 50 | 28.3% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
States with the highest/lowest rates of pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities (2017 to 2021)
Rank | State | Pedestrian fatalities, 2017 to 2021 | Pedestrian hit-and-run fatalities, 2017 to 2021 | % of pedestrian fatalities that were hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 59 | 21 | 35.6% |
| 2 | Alaska | 63 | 21 | 33.3% |
| 3 | Tennessee | 754 | 222 | 29.4% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 34 | 10 | 29.4% |
| 5 | Illinois | 859 | 248 | 28.9% |
| 6 | Connecticut | 274 | 77 | 28.1% |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 268 | 73 | 27.2% |
| 8 | Ohio | 720 | 194 | 26.9% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 421 | 111 | 26.4% |
| 10 | California | 5,034 | 1,282 | 25.5% |
| 11 | Indiana | 488 | 121 | 24.8% |
| 11 | Texas | 3,378 | 837 | 24.8% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the NHTSA FIRST.
Pedestrian-involved accidents: What to know, how to prepare
Getting in an accident is never expected — regardless of whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian — but it’s important to be prepared. As a driver, looking into personal injury protection (PIP), collision coverage and medical payments coverage can be critical to ensure you have the proper coverage in case of an accident.
If you find yourself involved in an accident with or as a pedestrian, Sangameshwar offers the following advice:
- Call for help and wait. "If you aren’t in immediate danger, check on the other person involved, stay with them while you call for help and wait until the police and EMS arrive," she says. "If you or anyone involved is in a hazardous position — like in the middle of the road — do your best to minimize the risk to them, but don’t move them if they’re unconscious or seriously hurt."
- Wait for the police. The police will come to investigate the accident, especially if the injuries are serious. You should remain on the scene until they arrive. If you’re the driver and leave before that, you could be charged with a hit-and-run. Remember to ask for a case number and the officer’s name and badge number if you’re the driver, as it’s important while filing your claim.
- If you’re the driver, notify your insurer. "Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident, when the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind," Sangameshwar says. "Your insurer will let you know about the information you’ll need to file the claim and what to expect during the claims process. If you were driving a company vehicle, you’ll also need to contact your manager in a timely manner so they can inform the business's insurance company."
- If you’re the pedestrian, don’t skip the hospital trip. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, particularly head injuries. Getting checked out isn’t only a safety measure — it may be important to prove your injuries were a result of the accident and didn’t occur later.
Methodology
ValuePenguin analysts used the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) to calculate statistics related to pedestrian fatalities nationally (excluding Puerto Rico) and by state in 2021 and prior years.
Population comparisons were taken from the U.S. Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey with five-year estimates.