Overwhelming data show that area roads are not safe enough for walkers, cyclists, transit riders and drivers. In order to create a sustainable, livable community, the situation must improve.

A National Problem:

• 4,092 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2009. Pedestrians account for nearly 12 percent of total traffic deaths.
• An estimated 59,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2009 in the U.S.
• On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes in traffic crashes.
• Over 90 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single vehicle crashes.
• Pedestrian deaths declined 7 percent from 2008 and 14 percent from 2000.

A Closer Look At Crash Circumstances:

• 72 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred in an urban setting versus a rural setting.
• 76 percent of the fatalities occurred at non-intersections versus at intersections.
• Almost 90 percent of pedestrian fatalities occurred during normal weather conditions, not during rain, snow and fog.
• Close to 70 percent of all fatalities occurred during nighttime hours.

In The District Of Columbia, Maryland And Virginia:

• The Washington region ranks 20th out of the 52 largest metropolitan areas in pedestrian deaths per capita. Adjusted for exposure, the Washington region ranks 34th most dangerous for pedestrians of the 52 metro areas.
• On average, over 2,600 pedestrians and bicyclists are injured in the region every year, and 89 are killed.
• Motorized fatalities dropped from 324 in 2006 to 197 in 2010, more than a one third decline.
• Meanwhile, the number of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities remained essentially flat. As a result, pedestrians and bicyclists now account for 30% of the region’s traffic fatalities.