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Is Walking a Dangerous Way to Travel These Days?
Content Legally Reviewed By 
Matt Conner
Matt ConnerInjury Attorneys Serving Victims of Walking Accidents in Washington
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, powered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, has stated that pedestrian accidents are over-stated in accident data countrywide. They state that these accidents account for 14 percent of traffic fatalities, but only account for 10.9 trips.
There is no reliable data source from cities or states to determine how much people walk today, or the amount of time spent walking; thus, determining how much exposure pedestrians have to the road is indeterminate.
All Modes of Transportation Pose a Risk
All modes of travel pose a risk; therefore, walking does pose some risk. However, walking is a healthy way for individuals to get outside and remain active. Also, walking is inherently safe and is an activity that nearly everyone does throughout the year. The lack of physical activity poses more risks, and many Americans are not walking or cycling enough. In fact, more people die from heart attacks and strokes than the 32,675 reported to have died due to pedestrian-automobile accidents.
Is Walking Getting Safer?
Then, there is the issue of distracted driving. More automobiles are striking pedestrians because the drivers are too engrossed in their smartphones, GPS systems, or in a conversation while operating a vehicle. Pedestrians are also more distracted; they could walk into traffic, ignore street signals, and not pay attention to vehicles when crossing the road.
The leading cause of injury for pedestrians is poor-quality infrastructure, including cracked or uneven sidewalks, which leads to pedestrian slips and falls. Being hit by a vehicle is third on the list.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the following statistics reflect pedestrian safety:
- In 2014, 70 percent of the pedestrians killed were males.
- Three out of four pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas.
- Twenty-six percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in the evening hours.
- The average age of pedestrians killed by automobiles was 47 in 2014, and the average age of those injured was 37 for 2014.
- Thirty-four percent of pedestrians killed had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 percent.
- Fourteen percent of drivers who caused a fatal pedestrian crash had an illegal BAC.
- The states with the highest pedestrian fatalities are California, Florida, and Texas.
Are All Pedestrian Accidents Eligible for a Lawsuit?
Not all instances of pedestrian-automobile accidents involve a lawsuit. However, a large majority of them do. Unlike other modes of travel, the individual walking is unlikely to harm themselves or walk negligently; therefore, it is more likely that an automobile caused the accident.
Speak with an Attorney About Your Case
Determining if there is liability in a pedestrian-automobile accident is not easy. Therefore, it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney in Washington to have your case assessed.
Contact Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC today for a no-obligation consultation by calling 800-925-1875 or completing our online contact form. We will be in touch with you shortly.
About the Author
Matt Conner
Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.
May 29, 2026
May 27, 2026
