Pedestrian Traffic Deaths In 2016: Maryland Sees A Decrease

WASHINGTON, DC — Pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2016 decreased by roughly 13 percent in Maryland compared with 2015, according to a new study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association released last week.

According to the analysis of preliminary data, pedestrian traffic fatalities increased in 34 states and decreased in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, the study estimates that the number of pedestrians killed in 2016 increased by 11 percent compared to 2015, the largest annual increase in both the number and percentage of pedestrian fatalities in 40 years. The increase for all of 2016 was estimated based on preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices for the first half of 2016.

According to the study, between January-June 2016, there were 39 pedestrian traffic fatalities in Maryland. For the same period in 2015, there were 45 pedestrian traffic fatalities.

The GHSA says factors such as increased driving, fuel prices and the amount of time people spent walking all likely contributed to the increase in pedestrian fatalities. A more recent factor for the increase may be the use of smartphones while walking and driving, which can be a source of distraction for both pedestrians and motorists.

As a percentage of total motor vehicle deaths, pedestrian deaths increased from 11 percent to 15 percent between 2006-2015.

The study also highlighted what states are doing to combat the increase in pedestrian fatalities. In Maryland, those efforts include region/city-specific pedestrian safety programs such as: Street Smart in Baltimore, Walk Smart in Ocean City, and Look Up, Look Out in Annapolis and the Baltimore area. Maryland formed a Pedestrian & Bicycle Emphasis Area Team, which is taking the lead in establishing a coordinated approach across the state that brings together stakeholders to reduce pedestrian crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

A law enforcement partner conducts quarterly pedestrian law enforcement trainings open to all officers across the state. Many law enforcement partners support pedestrian safety high visibility enforcement waves in the spring and fall, and about 100 officers were trained in 2016.

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