Governor’s Highway Safety Administration – “GHSA’s projection represents a four percent increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities during 2018 – 6,227 pedestrians died last year [the highest number of fatalities since 1990]. The report examines a number of factors that may be influencing the rise in pedestrian deaths, including increased exposure; unfriendly infrastructure; unsafe driving behaviors; and increased presence of sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Additionally, comprehensive infrastructural, educational and enforcement approaches are discussed as promising strategies to reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes. The report was researched and authored by Richard Retting of Sam Schwartz Consulting.” [h/t Pete Weiss]

• Download “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2018 Preliminary Data”
• News Release: New Projection: 2018 Pedestrian Fatalities Highest Since 1990
• GHSA Issue Toolkit: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety
• Heads Up! “…Other factors contributing to the recent rise in the overall number of pedestrian fatalities could include the increasing shift in U.S. vehicle sales away from passenger cars to light trucks (with light trucks generally causing more severe pedestrian impacts than cars), and the large growth in smartphone use (which can be a significant source of distraction for all road users)..”