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Pedestrian Deaths Spike

In Buzz, February 2023 by Melissa Howsam1 Comment

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Pedestrian deaths climb to record levels. Here, a deep dive into the data.

Fatal pedestrian crashes in Raleigh nearly tripled this year over last—and doubled that of prepandemic 2019. Police data shows 27 pedestrians died by motor vehicle collision, and 257 others were hit in 2022. And this is not just a Raleigh problem. It’s a public health crisis.

Publications across the nation are riddled with articles unveiling similar data. According to annual data published by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) in May, U.S. pedestrian fatalities soared to the highest level in 40 years—an average of 20 deaths per day. And, nationwide, pedestrian traffic deaths are increasing exponentially faster than all other traffic deaths combined. 

More data that may shock you: North Carolina ranks No. 6 in the U.S. for most pedestrian traffic deaths. Adjusting for population makes that stat even more jarring, as the five states with higher death tolls are (by order of rank): California, Florida, Georgia, New York and Texas. 

Clearly, roads are more treacherous for pedestrians than ever. And the easy scapegoat, speed—at least locally—is not to blame. In fact, speed is only listed as a factor in a mere 28 of the total 1,017 crashes over the last four years in Raleigh. Here, a crash course on the crash stats.

  • No. 6 NC ranked sixth in pedestrian fatalities by state in 2021
  • 1,282 The total number of pedestrian crashes in Raleigh between 2018–22
  • 35 The total number of Raleigh crashes speed was listed as a factor in between 2018–22
  • 284 The number of people hit in Raleigh this year according to RPD

Local Response

  • Reduced DTR speed limit to 25 mph 
  • Removed double turn lanes
  • DTR termination of right on red change pending
  • Asphalt art project under consideration 
  • City of Raleigh’s Transportation Department has been studying traffic patterns to determine viable traffic-calming solutions to reduce collisions and fatalities

Pedestrian Fatalities

  • 2022: 27
  • 2021: 10
  • 2020: 13
  • 2019: 14

Nonfatal Pedestrian Crashes

  • 2022: 257
  • 2021: 185
  • 2020: 221
  • 2019: 290

Total Crash | Speed Citations 

  • 2022: 284 | 7
  • 2021: 195 | 3
  • 2020: 234 | 12
  • 2019: 304 | 6

Most Deadly Raleigh Roads

Streets or highways where five or more crashes involving pedestrians occurred during 2022

  • Capital Boulevard →24
  • New Bern Avenue → 20
  • Glenwood Avenue → 17
  • Oberlin Road → 6
  • South Saunders Street → 5

Location from Roadway

  • 64 → marked crosswalk
  • 49→ sidewalk/not in roadway 

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