GHSA's 2024 Preliminary Report on Pedestrian Deaths by State
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) annual Spotlight on Highway Safety report provides an early analysis of pedestrian traffic fatalities for 2024 based on preliminary data from State Highway Safety Offices.
GHSA projects that 7,148 pedestrians were killed on U.S. roads in 2024. That is a 4.3% decrease from 2023, marking the second consecutive annual decline. Even so, pedestrian fatalities remain 19.2% higher than 2016 levels, showing that the broader pedestrian safety crisis is far from solved.
You can view the full GHSA report here: Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data.
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Report
- 7,148 pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2024
- 324 fewer pedestrian deaths than in 2023
- 4.3% decrease from 2023
- 19.2% higher than 2016
- Second consecutive year of decline
Top 10 States for Pedestrian Fatalities in 2024
Based on GHSA’s 2024 preliminary data, these were the 10 states with the highest total number of pedestrian deaths.
| Rank | State | 2024 Fatalities | 2023 Fatalities | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 928 | 1,099 | -171 | -15.6% |
| 2 | Texas | 767 | 809 | -42 | -5.2% |
| 3 | Florida | 713 | 799 | -86 | -10.8% |
| 4 | New York | 307 | 317 | -10 | -3.2% |
| 5 | Georgia | 280 | 311 | -31 | -10.0% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 279 | 249 | 30 | 12.1% |
| 7 | Arizona | 273 | 271 | 2 | 0.7% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 223 | 171 | 52 | 30.4% |
| 9 | Illinois | 212 | 196 | 16 | 8.2% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 184 | 191 | -7 | -3.7% |
Source: GHSA Table 2, Pedestrian Fatalities by State, 2019 to 2024.
What the Data Shows
The overall national number moved in the right direction in 2024, but pedestrian fatalities remain far above where they were less than a decade ago. California, Texas, and Florida alone accounted for a very large share of the total U.S. pedestrian death toll in 2024.
GHSA also points to broader patterns behind these deaths, including the share of fatalities that happen after dark, the large number of deaths on roads without sidewalks, and the serious risks posed by larger vehicles and high speed roads.
Florida Pedestrian Safety Spotlight
Florida recorded 713 pedestrian deaths in 2024, down from 799 in 2023. Even with that improvement, Florida remains one of the deadliest states in the country for pedestrians.
High traffic volume, tourism, year round walking activity, and large arterial roads all increase pedestrian exposure. For people walking near traffic, especially in low light conditions, visibility remains one of the few risk factors that can be improved immediately.
Visibility Is One of the Most Preventable Risk Factors
Unlike roadway design or public policy, visibility is something pedestrians, communities, schools, and property managers can address right away.
- Higher visibility gives drivers more time to react
- Bright safety flags and reflective materials help pedestrians stand out
- Low light, poor weather, and busy roads make visibility even more important
Learn more about the benefits of crosswalk flags here: Crosswalk Flags and Pedestrian Safety.
You can also review practical pedestrian safety guidance here: Tips for Safely Crossing a Crosswalk.
Stay Visible. Stay Safe.
At SeeMeFlags, we believe a simple principle still matters:
If drivers can see you sooner, they can avoid you.
Whether you are outfitting a school, neighborhood, municipality, or work zone, high visibility pedestrian safety products can help reduce risk and improve awareness at the point where people cross.
Related SeeMeFlags Resources
- Benefits of Crosswalk Flags
- Tips for Safely Crossing a Crosswalk
- Highly Visible Safety Flags
- Crosswalk Flag Locations
- Shop See Me Flag Products
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association, Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2024 Preliminary Data.