Mass. is Losing Pedestrian Safety Battle

In the wake of the pedestrian accident on Monday that killed Franklin resident Ugo Ciannavei, AAA release a concerning report that highlights the dangers facing walkers in the Bay State.

To mark National Pedestrian Safety Month, AAA Northeast is highlighting the importance of safe driving to reduce the staggering number of pedestrian deaths and injuries in traffic collisions each year across the U.S. In 2024, 7,148 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, down 4.3% from 2023, according to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). While a decline in pedestrian deaths for a second consecutive year is encouraging, the number of pedestrians killed in 2024 is still 11.5% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when 6,412 pedestrians died. 

Mass. a Mess

Unfortunately, the numbers are trending upward in Massachusetts. GHSA estimated that 78 pedestrians died in crashes in 2024, up 16% from 2023. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that alcohol is a significant factor in pedestrian deaths: 46% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023 involved a driver and/or pedestrian with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01 or higher. 

Additionally, the majority of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) and nearly 1 out of every 4 (24%) pedestrians were killed by hit-and-run drivers. Speed also plays a major role. The average risk of death is 10% for a pedestrian struck at an impact speed of 23 mph, increasing to 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph and 90% at 58 mph, according to AAA research. Risks vary significantly by age and by type of vehicle, which is especially relevant as SUVs continue to rise in popularity and become larger and more powerful. 

“Walking should be a safe and easy way to get around town, but on average, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every 8 minutes across the country,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “To ensure pedestrians get to their destinations safely, drivers should ditch the distractions, slow down near crosswalks and never get behind the wheel impaired.” AAA offers the following tips to keep pedestrians safe. Safety tips for drivers

• Look out for pedestrians at all times.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as at night or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or approaching a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Stop well back from the crosswalk to help other drivers see the pedestrians.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing out of your sight.
• Follow the speed limit, especially near people on the street and in school zones.
• Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
• Never drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Safety tips for pedestrians

• Follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks, if available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Make eye contact with drivers to indicate your next move.
• Don’t cross between parked cars.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Be visible: Wear bright-colored clothing. At night, wear a reflective vest or reflective tape and carry a flashlight.