Delaware Pedestrian Fatalities Are Down Slightly in 2014

“Nowhere in America was it more dangerous to cross the street than in Delaware, where nearly three pedestrians died in traffic accidents per 100,000 residents in 2012.” – USA Today, August 10, 2014

A recent article in USA Today highlighted the very sobering fact that, in 2012, Delaware was the most dangerous state in America to be a pedestrian.

In sharp contrast, it has become increasingly safe to be a vehicle passenger in Delaware. In fact, overall traffic fatalities fell below 100 in Delaware in 2013, for the first time in 50 years.

Pedestrian fatalities were down in 2013 from their peak in 2012. But because vehicle occupant fatalities were also down, pedestrian fatalities made up more than 25% of all traffic fatalities in 2013.

This year, pedestrian fatalities are again slightly lower. At the same point in 2013, 14 pedestrians had been killed in crashes. This year, according the Office of Highway Safety and the Delaware State Police, 11 pedestrians have been killed.

While positive, this recent trend should also be put in larger context. 30 pedestrians died in 2012 and 26 died in 2013. But 20 years ago, pedestrian fatalities were notably lower (1994: 18 fatalities; 1995: 29 fatalities; 1996: 20 fatalities; and 1997: 14 fatalities). In 2014, we will be extremely fortunate if “only” as many pedestrians die in Delaware as in 1994.

Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries in Delaware (2008-2014)
2014 fata data is YTD
2014 injury data is unavailable
SOURCE: News Journal

RELATED:

• The 10 most dangerous states for pedestrians (USA Today, August 10, 2014)

• 2013 Delaware Traffic Fatality Report Shows Fatal Traffic Decline

• Road Safety in Delaware: How We Can Reduce the Number of Dead Pedestrians (Part 1)

• Senator Coons and Representative Carney Will Co-Sponsor the Bicycle and Pedestrian Road Safety Act