Memphis is the nation's most dangerous city for pedestrians

Memphis had the highest rate of traffic deaths for people walking in the US for two years in a row.

1 minute read

June 21, 2026, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


People crossing a crosswalk on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

A crosswalk in Memphis, Tennessee. | Erika Cristina Manno / Shutterstock

The "Dangerous by Design" report calls Memphis the deadliest U.S. city for pedestrians, the second year in a row the Tennessee city has taken that dubious distinction.

According to an article by Kailynn Johnson in the Memphis Flyer, researchers attribute the high rate of pedestrian deaths in the city to "wide lanes, frequent driveways and long crossing distances."

Memphis road safety researchers recommend a redesign of the dangerous streets with improved crosswalks, shorter driveways, expanded pedestrian space and more greenery.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in The Memphis Flyer

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