The 10 Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians, According to a New Study
Data reveals where walking comes with the highest risk of deadly crashes in the U.S.
If you love exploring a city on foot, you probably think of walking as one of the safest and simplest ways to get around. But in some places, it can be surprisingly risky, and not just in the big cities you might expect.
New research from H&P Law dug into National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data from 2018 to 2022 to see which states have the highest share of deadly crashes involving pedestrians. The results might make you rethink how and where you cross the street.
Here’s the countdown, from #10 to the most dangerous state of all.
10. New Mexico — 29.12% of Fatal Crashes Involved Pedestrians
Between 2018 and 2022, New Mexico recorded 1,933 fatal crashes, and 436 involved pedestrians. That’s nearly a third of all deadly crashes, which is high for a state with so much open space. Much of the risk is concentrated in urban areas like Albuquerque, where busy multi-lane roads meet heavy foot traffic.
9. Delaware — 30.39%
Delaware may be small, but its pedestrian danger is outsized. Out of 605 fatal crashes, 141 involved someone on foot. With narrow roads in older towns, high-speed highways, and a mix of urban and rural settings, drivers and pedestrians are often in closer, and riskier, proximity than you might think.
8. Nevada — 30.67%
Nevada saw 384 pedestrian-involved fatal crashes out of 1,636 total. While wide desert highways dominate the landscape, much of the state’s population is packed into Las Vegas and Reno, where late-night activity, tourism, and high traffic volumes increase the odds of tragedy.
7. Florida — 30.75%
Florida’s sunshine draws people outdoors year-round, but that comes with a downside: more exposure to traffic. The state had 3,696 fatal crashes involving pedestrians out of 15,717 total. Areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando have especially high pedestrian activity mixed with fast-moving traffic, a dangerous combination.
6. Arizona — 31.4%
Arizona reported 1,207 pedestrian-involved fatal crashes out of 5,051 total. Its sprawling cities, like Phoenix, often require crossing wide, busy roads without much shade, making pedestrian safety a bigger challenge in the intense desert heat and glare.
5. Maryland — 33.49%
Maryland had 648 pedestrian-involved fatal crashes out of 2,583 total. The mix of dense urban centers, commuter traffic from D.C. and Virginia, and high-speed suburban roads creates multiple risk factors for people on foot.
4. New York — 38.15%
New York’s reputation as a walking state doesn’t mean it’s always safe to do so. Out of 4,950 fatal crashes, 1,367 involved pedestrians. While New York City is famously walkable, its dense traffic, aggressive driving, and sheer number of people can be a dangerous mix, especially outside well-protected areas like pedestrian plazas.
3. California — 39.1%
California’s 5,310 pedestrian-involved fatal crashes out of 18,890 total reflect the challenges of a huge, car-centric state. From Los Angeles’ sprawling intersections to San Francisco’s steep, crowded streets, pedestrian safety can vary dramatically depending on where you are.
2. Hawaii — 43.1%
In Hawaii, 150 of the state’s 498 fatal crashes involved pedestrians. Tourists, scenic beach towns, and narrow roadways often mean more people walking along or across streets that weren’t necessarily designed with pedestrian safety in mind.
1. New Jersey — 46%
New Jersey tops the list with 914 pedestrian-involved fatal crashes out of 2,901 total, nearly half of all deadly accidents. The state’s dense population, busy highways running through neighborhoods, and urban-suburban sprawl all contribute to its high risk. For those walking here, vigilance is more than just a good habit; it’s a necessity.
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