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Pedestrian safety remains a significant concern across the United States, but recent data shows that while national pedestrian deaths are beginning to decline, Indiana is moving in the wrong direction. Despite public awareness campaigns, traffic enforcement initiatives, and safer street designs, more pedestrians are being killed on Indiana roads especially in Indianapolis.
Speeding, Distractions, and Larger Vehicles Continue to Endanger Pedestrians
Pedestrian accidents have become a stubborn problem on America’s streets. Although total traffic deaths have begun to level off nationwide, pedestrians remain at particularly high risk. According to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. dropped slightly during the first half of 2024. However, Indiana was among the states that saw an increase.
Programs like Vision Zero, designed to eliminate deadly crashes, have helped cities across the country by introducing lower speed limits, improved lighting, and traffic-calming road designs. Yet, despite these efforts, Indiana’s data shows the problem isn’t going away it’s getting worse.
National Pedestrian Fatality Statistics
Between January and June 2024, 3,304 pedestrians were killed nationwide—88 fewer than during the same period in 2023. While this decline marks progress, the numbers remain troublingly high. For context, pedestrian fatalities in the first half of 2024 were still more than 1,000 higher than they were ten years ago.
Since 2014, pedestrian deaths have risen almost seven times faster than the country’s population growth. This means that, even as vehicle technology and safety features have improved, pedestrians near roads remain disproportionately at risk.
Indiana’s Pedestrian Deaths Moving the Wrong Way
In Indiana, 49 pedestrians lost their lives in the first half of 2024, a 26% increase from the 39 deaths recorded during the same period in 2023. This sharp rise stands out among other states that are beginning to see modest improvements.
Local advocacy groups have long warned about the dangers facing pedestrians in Indianapolis. Indy Pedestrian Safety Crisis, a grassroots group that tracks crashes and safety incidents, reported 41 pedestrian deaths in the city last year alone. These aren’t just numbers, they represent real people whose lives were cut short while crossing the street, walking to work, or heading home.
Why Pedestrian Fatalities Are Rising in Indiana
There are several reasons why Indiana continues to see more pedestrian deaths while other states are improving:
- Speeding: Higher speeds increase both the likelihood and severity of crashes. Even a few miles per hour can make the difference between life and death.
- Distracted driving: Texting, using navigation apps, or adjusting in-car technology takes drivers’ eyes off the road, often with deadly results.
- Larger vehicles: SUVs and pickup trucks are now more popular than ever. Their height and weight make collisions with pedestrians especially lethal.
- Poor infrastructure: Many Indiana roads lack safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian refuge islands.
- Low visibility: Poor lighting and dark clothing can make pedestrians hard to see at night, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
Indianapolis’ Efforts to Improve Safety
In response to these alarming statistics, Indianapolis leaders have launched new initiatives to reverse the trend. In 2024, the City-County Council created a Vision Zero Task Force with the ambitious goal of eliminating all fatal and serious-injury crashes by 2035.
During a recent council meeting, a powerful display featured empty chairs representing pedestrians killed on Indianapolis streets in the past year a sobering reminder of the human toll.
Community advocates have praised the creation of the task force but stress that quick action is needed. According to Jakob Morales, chair of the advocacy committee for Bike Indianapolis, “People will continue to be killed, so we need to act urgently.”
Projects under consideration include:
• Expanding protected crosswalks and pedestrian signals
• Installing speed cameras in high-risk areas
• Improving Street lighting in neighborhoods with frequent nighttime crashes
• Redesigning high-speed corridors like East Washington Street and Keystone Avenue
What Victims and Families Can Do After a Pedestrian Accident
After a serious or fatal pedestrian crash, families are often left overwhelmed, dealing with medical bills, funeral expenses, and insurance companies. However, victims and loved ones have legal rights that deserve protection.
If a negligent driver caused the crash whether through speeding, distraction, or impaired driving the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation can help cover funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
An experienced Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the scene, gather surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and hold all responsible parties accountable including drivers, businesses, or even the city if unsafe road design contributed to the tragedy.
How the Law Office of Vaughn A. Wamsley Can Help
At the Law Office of Vaughn A. Wamsley, we have seen firsthand how devastating a pedestrian accident can be. Our firm is committed to helping families across Indianapolis and Marion County seek justice and financial recovery after losing a loved one.
We thoroughly investigate every case, work with accident reconstruction professionals, and fight insurance companies that try to minimize compensation. Our goal is to secure the maximum recovery possible while treating every client with compassion and respect.
If you or someone you love was injured or if you’ve lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations, no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Vaughn A. Wamsley Today
Don’t wait to take action. Evidence fades, memories blur, and insurance companies move quickly to protect their interests. Let our team stand up for yours.
Call the pedestrian accident lawyers at Vaughn A. Wamsley today or visit www.protectyourrights.com to schedule your free consultation. We can meet at our Indianapolis office, your home, or even the hospital, whatever is easiest for you.
We proudly serve clients across Indianapolis, Carmel, Greenwood, Lawrence, Beech Grove, and surrounding Indiana communities.