Pedestrian Deaths Increased In Washington Early In Pandemic

SEATTLE — The U.S. pedestrian fatality rate rose 20 percent in the first six months of 2020, according to the Spotlight on Highway Safety report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Washington was among the many states which saw their fatality rates rise, jumping 7 percent between January and June 2020, the report found. 47 pedestrians were killed in Washington during that time, giving the Evergreen State the 19th most pedestrian deaths.

That's up from this time last year, when Washington ranked 21st in the country for most pedestrian traffic deaths.

As the report found, Washington had a rate of 0.61 pedestrian deaths per every 100,000 residents during that time frame. For comparison, the nationwide average is 0.90, and New Mexico had the highest rate at 2.12.

"Walking should not be a life and death undertaking, yet many factors have combined to put pedestrians at historical levels of risk," said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins.

Seven states accounted for more than half of the U.S.'s pedestrian deaths: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina and Texas. Those states all had at least 100 pedestrian deaths in the first six months of 2020.

• California — 485 pedestrian deaths
• Texas —335
• Florida — 332
• North Carolina — 121
• Georgia — 113
• Arizona — 106
• New York — 101

The GHSA noted that speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling an increase in both traffic accidents and pedestrian deaths.

"Warmer temperatures could be a contributing factor as well. Warmer weather can encourage more nighttime outdoor activity (including walking) and is associated with increased alcohol consumption, which increases the risk of fatal pedestrian collisions," the report said.

The Spotlight on Highway Safety report was created using preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.). With less drivers on the road due to the pandemic, the increase in pedestrian deaths was the result of more reckless driving, the GHSA said.

The full report can be read on the GHSA website.

Patch Staffer Chris Mosby contributed to this report.