News Summary
A recent study by ValuePenguin reveals that Tucson and Phoenix have the highest pedestrian fatality rates among major U.S. cities, with nearly 700 combined deaths from 2019 to 2023. Tucson’s rate is at 37.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, while Phoenix follows closely at 29.5. Despite a decrease in overall traffic fatalities in Arizona, pedestrian deaths remain alarmingly high, raising urgent safety concerns. The report highlights the need for improvements in traffic safety measures in these cities.
Tucson and Phoenix have emerged as the cities with the highest pedestrian fatality rates among major U.S. cities, according to a recent analysis conducted by ValuePenguin. Between 2019 and 2023, these two cities experienced nearly 700 combined pedestrian deaths, with Tucson reporting a staggering 37.2 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents, earning it the title of third-highest rate in the nation. Following closely, Phoenix recorded a fatality rate of 29.5 deaths per 100,000 citizens, placing it at fourth on the list of cities with the highest pedestrian death rates.
Further insights from the report reveal that Mesa, another Arizona city, has a lower rate of 13.2 deaths per 100,000 people. However, its pedestrian fatalities have more than doubled, experiencing a 133% increase between 2019 and 2023. This spike in Mesa adds to the troubling trend as pedestrian deaths nationally have been on the rise. The highest rates in the country belong to Memphis at 46.6 deaths per 100,000 residents and Albuquerque at 37.3 deaths per 100,000 residents.
In sharp contrast, cities like New York City and Boston report significantly lower pedestrian fatality rates, with only 3.3 and 5.9 deaths per 100,000 residents respectively. In Arizona specifically, the increasing numbers of pedestrian fatalities have raised concerns, prompting a closer look at contributing factors. Mesa has experienced an alarming increase, with rates inflating by 133%, while cities such as Virginia Beach and Wichita reported even higher increases at 350% and 233% respectively. Conversely, Phoenix has seen a 36% rise in pedestrian fatalities during the same period, though Tucson has recorded a small decrease of nearly 3%.
Additional findings indicate that while pedestrian fatalities in the state remained near historical highs, Arizona has reported a total of 1,228 traffic fatalities in 2024, which is a 6.12% decrease from the previous year. Despite this overall decrease in traffic fatalities, incidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists have hit a five-year high. The leading causes of these accidents include impairment from alcohol and speeding, with over 25% of all traffic deaths attributed to alcohol-related crashes. Additionally, distracted driving is a significant concern, with over 8,289 incidents reported in the state.
The dangers for pedestrians in the Tucson and Phoenix areas are particularly pronounced at intersections, which account for a significant percentage of crashes. These hazards have been linked to outdated infrastructure and driver error, calling for urgent improvements in traffic safety measures. In the context of pedestrian safety, Iimportant changes in traffic systems and enforcement mechanisms are needed to mitigate the growing risks for pedestrians.
In summary, while some cities across the United States see declining rates of pedestrian fatalities, Tucson and Phoenix have been facing increasing challenges. The data indicates that despite some statewide improvements, the significant risks associated with pedestrian traffic remain largely unaddressed, urging local authorities to prioritize pedestrian safety in their urban planning and infrastructural development efforts.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central: Tucson and Phoenix Pedestrian Safety
- Gila Herald: Arizona’s Most Dangerous Intersections
- KVOA: Arizona Traffic Fatalities
- The Travel: Most Dangerous US Cities for Pedestrians
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
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