Pedestrian Deaths Increased In Ohio During 1st Months Of Pandemic

CLEVELAND — 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).

Ohio saw a 12 percent increase in its pedestrian deaths between January and June 2020, the report found. Sixty-seven pedestrians were killed in Ohio during that time. The Buckeye State was No. 13 in most pedestrian deaths.

The pedestrian fatality rate for Ohio was 0.57 per 100,000 residents.

“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.