Pedestrian Deaths Fell by Largest Percentage in 15 Years, but Remain Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

After a spike in deaths during the Covid-19 years, road deaths fell to 3,024 in the first half of 2025.

1 minute read

March 31, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial of traffic crash at intersection with ambulance and first responders on scene.

States and cities are taking more measures to improve traffic safety. | Bilanol / Shutterstock

Pedestrian deaths in the United States fell by 11 percent in the first half of 2025, the largest drop since the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) started recording the statistic 15 years ago, according to reporting by Tim Henderson in Stateline.

However, deaths remain above 2019 levels, when road deaths began to spike. “Drivers struck and killed 3,024 people in the first half of 2025, the GHSA said in the report. That was 371 fewer deaths than in the same time period the year before.” 

Pedestrian deaths increased in 24 states and fell in 23, the report adds. Hawaii, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, and Arizona had the highest rate of deaths per capita. The lowest rates were found in Idaho, Rhode Island, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. New Mexico, which had the highest rate of deaths in 2023, saw a drop from 53 deaths in early 2024 to 27 in early 2025. “The state has been experimenting with new technology such as flashing lights that warn drivers when a pedestrian enters a crosswalk.”

Monday, March 30, 2026 in Stateline

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