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
Why wish, just do. That directive discovered in the Free Expression Tunnel—aka an iconic graffitied pedestrian tunnel that runs under the railroad tracks on NC State’s campus—got us thinking. What’s Raleigh ready to do this year? Here, we take a look at the will-do’s of 2023 as we know them.
Wheels up!
New Low-Fare Airlines and Direct Destinations
Blowing into the mix in February is Breeze, launching with five destinations: New Orleans; Hartford, CT; and Providence, RI—and adding Jacksonville, FL; and Columbus, OH, to its lineup May 18.
Keeping us “palm,” Avelo Airlines is adding to its roster of flights in February with service to six Florida cities: Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Palm Beach.
Reykjavik extension, rejoice! Icelandair’s nonstop service to the Land of Fire and Ice has proven so popular with RDU flyers that the airline just announced it will start the season this March, rather than May.
Council Focus:
Affordable housing
Public safety
More reliable transit
Palate-Pleasers:
East End Bistrot by Giorgios Bakatsias, East End Market, winter, p. 37
Let’s go distillery-hopping! Leaning into state spirit—ahem, literally—we poured together a list of some of NC’s distillers worth drinking (or taking a detour for) the next time you’re looking to mix it up.
From mountains to seaside, these small-batch craft spirits-makers produce a range of liquors running the gamut from unique sips worth sipping like Mayberry Spirits Distillery’s single-malt sorghum whiskies made in copper stills that would surely make Andy Griffith proud to swigs that’ll give you strong beliefs—we see you Conviction.
Upping the ante in drinking behind bars, the latter award-winning small-batch bourbon by Southern Grace is distilled in a former prison (!). Clearly you should sentence yourself to do some time in Mount Pleasant to drink in its 1929 prison while you get schooled on the campus and how they create that bastille bourbon—and extend your stay for some swills, natch.
At home, we’re digging the metamorphosis of Durham Distillery’s Conniption gin with the 2022-released butterfly pea flower-infused pretty purple-hued Kinship, the third edition to its famed lineup that will no doubt calm any conniption fit.
Over on the coast, clear things up with “all the taste without the bite” via veteran-owned Blue Shark Vodka—aka reigning winner of North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Chef Showdown’s People’s Choice Award. Or end your day at End of Days Distillery in Wilmington and pick your poison among a slew of spirits.
Ultimately, whether you were born to rum or you’re just looking for some gin-tuition, this cast of statewide spirits promises to raise the bar.
The Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest music lineup is here and will include a variety of NC acts! A fab lineup of 12 North Carolina artists will play live across two stages in Downtown Raleigh from 11am-9pm (see below for full lineup and time slots).
“With two stages programmed for 10 hours, it shows how Raleigh is a music destination—in addition to sports, arts, theater, unique local businesses, experiences and more,” says Carolina Hurricanes Chief Marketing Officer Mike Forman. “Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest presented by UNC Health is our way of showcasing a small glimpse of what North Carolina has to offer and the talent surrounding us.”
The portfolio will include the following:
SET TIME
DURATION
PERFORMER
City Plaza Stage
11:00 – 12:00
60 mins
DJ Mista Illz: the official DJ of the Carolina Hurricanes
12:00 – 1:00
60 mins
Adam Lee Decker
1:30 – 2:30
60 mins
Into the Fog
3:00 – 4:00
60 mins
Paige King Johnson
4:30 – 5:30
60 mins
Mellow Swells
6:00 – 7:00
60 mins
James Dunn with Jack the Radio
7:30 – 9:00
90 mins
Touabab Krewe
Invisalign Stage (State Capital)
11:00 – 11:45
45 mins
Opening Remarks/Ceremony + DJ
12:15 – 1:15
60 mins
Ashley La Rue Band
1:45 – 2:45
60 mins
Jason Adamo
3:15 – 4:15
60 mins
Mega Colossus
4:45 – 5:45
60 mins
Kooley High
6:15 – 7:15
60 mins
Rosali
7:45 – 9:00
60 mins
Superchunk
Visit our unique Day-by-Day Downloadable Guide for more on Fan Fest and all the events that compose the weeklong celebration surrounding the NHL Stadium Series in Raleigh. And stay tuned to our comprehensive Stadium Series landing page for updates and all you need to know.
Event details: Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest presented by UNC Health Friday, February 17, 2023, a rain or shine event. 11am-9pm General Admission: Free to attend
SECU, SECU Foundation, Dix Park Conservancy and City of Raleigh Break Ground on Transformation of Historic Stone Houses
On Jan. 26, 2023, the SECU, SECU Foundation, Dix Park Conservancy and City of Raleigh broke ground on the transformation of Dix Park’s three historic stone houses (the Superintendent’s House, Physicians’ House and Gatekeeper’s Cottage). The update is a key part of Dix Park’s strategic plan, which also includes the construction of the state-of-the-art Gipson Play Plaza and such popular events as the Dreamville music festival.
The transformation of the three long-abandoned dwellings at Dix Park is sponsored by the SECU and the SECU Foundation via a combined gift of $5 million. The meticulous restoration process will transform the historic houses into a vibrant destination for visitors of the park, and is expected to take about a year to complete.
Superintendent’s House
Built in 1923, the former dwellings served as the entry point for thousands of patients and guests to the former Dix Hospital, then a landmark mental health facility. Following their restoration, the buildings will offer a visitor’s center, office and education space, a public restroom, outdoor seating and classroom space, gardens, and an accessible pathway connecting the park to the nearby Rocky Branch greenway.
Superintendent Kirby and Staff
At the groundbreaking, SECU and SECU Foundation executives as well as Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services Kody Kinsley and Dix Park Conservancy CEO Janet Cowell unveiled plans for the iconic 100-year-old structures.
Maurer Architecture and construction contractor The Northgate Group are leading the project.
Physicians’ House (current)Physicians’ House renderingSuperintendent’s House (current)Superintendent’s House renderingGatekeeper’s Cottage rendering
Photo gallery of prerestoration condition of the houses. Photos by Alex Williams
