Pedestrian Fatality Trends in 2023: DMV Area Sees Increase

The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recently released a federal report detailing pedestrian fatality trends across the country in 2023. According to the report, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2023, which was a 5.4% decrease from the previous year.

However, in the DMV area, which includes Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, pedestrian fatality numbers were higher than in other areas. The report showed that D.C. and Maryland saw an increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2022 to 2023, while Virginia saw a decrease.

In Maryland, traffic fatalities increased from 137 in 2022 to 161 in 2023, representing an 18% difference. D.C.’s pedestrian fatality numbers also increased slightly from 19 to 20. The report indicated that pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise in the District since 2019.

To address the issue, the GHSA report listed several safety suggestions, including reducing car speeds, improving lighting for better visibility, implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals at intersections, banning right turns on red lights, and creating more sidewalks for pedestrians.

In response to the report, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association emphasized the need for action to decrease pedestrian fatalities, calling for commitment and leadership from elected officials and agency officials to prioritize safety for all road users.

Some counties in the DMV area have already taken steps to improve pedestrian safety, such as implementing speed cameras in school zones and passing measures like the Safe Streets Act in Montgomery County.

Overall, the report highlights the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety on the roads and implementing measures to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities in the DMV area and across the country.