New report from GHSA shows rise in US pedestrian traffic fatalities

Effort to drive down pedestrian deaths ramps up

There have been multiple deadly pedestrian crashes across the DC region in the first two months of 2020. A new report found pedestrian deaths nationwide have increased by more than 50 percent over the last decade.

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows a rise in pedestrian fatalities across the U.S.

The GHSA says nearly 7000 pedestrians died on U.S roads last year. The number represents a five percent increase from 2018 in the number of pedestrian fatalities and is the highest number in more than three decades.

New report from GHSA shows rise in US pedestrian traffic fatalities

A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows a rise in pedestrian fatalities across the U.S.

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"The report examines a number of factors that may be influencing the rise in pedestrian deaths, including the need for safer road crossings, unsafe driving behaviors, the increased presence of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and the tremendous growth of smartphone use, which is a significant source of distracted driving," the GHSA website reported.

The report also discusses comprehensive infrastructural, educational and enforcement approaches to reducing pedestrian and vehicle crashes.

Vision Zero efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety

Montgomery County’s Vision Zero coordinator Wade Holland joined us to talk about the new efforts to improve safety -- not only for pedestrians but for bicyclists and drivers as well.