U.S. pedestrian fatalities declined by 11% in the first half of 2025, according to new research from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Though this is a significant improvement, pedestrian deaths remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. 

Room for Improvement

An estimated 3,024 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes between January and June, down from the same period in 2024. The reduction represents the largest midyear decline since GHSA began tracking pedestrian fatality data 15 years ago.

In a recent Facebook post, the GHSA noted that “positive momentum is welcome news, but drivers are still striking and killing 16 people walking every day. The only acceptable number of deaths on American roads is zero.”

The GHSA credits increased traffic enforcement, expanded use of vehicle safety technologies, and growing public awareness around dangerous driving behaviors for the improvement.

For fleet operators, the report underscores the importance of continued investment in safety strategies. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, are playing an increasingly important role in mitigating crashes. 

Telematics and driver monitoring systems are also helping build safer fleets by identifying risky behaviors and implementing corrective training.

Safety is Still First

Many cities and states have prioritized measures such as improved crosswalk visibility, better lighting, and traffic-calming initiatives to reduce vehicle speeds in high-risk areas.

Despite these gains, GHSA emphasizes that sustained effort is needed to maintain momentum. Pedestrians still account for a growing share of total traffic fatalities, and disparities persist across regions, with some states continuing to see increases.

For fleet professionals, safety remains a critical operational priority. 

Proactive driver training, adoption of new technologies, and collaboration with local and national safety initiatives will be key to further reducing pedestrian-related incidents.