Traffic Safety Facts, 2011 Data : Pedestrians

NHTSA · 2013 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This document, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2013, presents statistical data regarding pedestrian fatalities and injuries in the United States for the year 2011. The report aims to characterize the scope of pedestrian safety issues by analyzing crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and the General Estimates System. It defines a pedestrian as any person on foot involved in a motor vehicle traffic crash on a public trafficway, excluding incidents on private property. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of pedestrian crash demographics, environmental factors, and contributing behaviors to inform safety strategies. The analysis covers 4,432 pedestrian fatalities and an estimated 69,000 injuries recorded in 2011. The data reveals that pedestrian deaths accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, representing a 3 percent increase from 2010, though a 7 percent decrease from 2002 levels. The report examines variables including land use, time of day, weather, age, gender, and alcohol involvement. Specific findings indicate that 73 percent of fatalities occurred in urban settings, 70 percent at non-intersections, and 70 percent during nighttime hours (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). Weather conditions were predominantly clear or cloudy in 88 percent of fatal crashes. Demographic analysis shows that males constituted 70 percent of pedestrian fatalities, with a fatality rate more than double that of females. Older pedestrians (age 65+) had the highest fatality rate per 100,000 population (2.04), while children aged 10–15 represented 21 percent of all traffic fatalities within that age group. Alcohol involvement was a significant factor, present in 48 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes. Among pedestrians killed, 37 percent had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL or higher, with the highest impairment rate (50 percent) observed in those aged 25–34. In contrast, only 13 percent of drivers involved in these fatal crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dL or higher. The report also provides state-level data, highlighting variations in pedestrian fatality rates across the U.S., with Puerto Rico showing the highest rate per 100,000 population. The significance of these findings lies in identifying high-risk conditions and populations to target for safety interventions. The data underscores the disproportionate risk faced by older adults and males, as well as the critical role of alcohol impairment among pedestrians. The report concludes with safety reminders for both pedestrians and drivers, emphasizing visibility, predictability, and vigilance, particularly during nighttime hours and in urban environments. By quantifying the prevalence of alcohol involvement and specific demographic vulnerabilities, the document supports the development of targeted countermeasures to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

Key finding

In 2011, 4,432 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic crashes, with the highest fatality rates observed among males and individuals aged 65 and older, and alcohol impairment was present in 35 percent of pedestrian deaths.

Methodology

dataset

Provenance

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Topics

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• pedestrian behavior perception
• demographic disparities
• fatality injury trends