Fatal Pedestrian Accidents Skyrocket in Kansas & the US

A high angle view of the crosswalk at Johnson County Courthouse in Kansas.

In recent years, fatal pedestrian accidents have been on the rise across the United States, posing a significant threat to public safety. Unfortunately, Kansas has not been exempt from this alarming trend.

Understanding the pedestrian fatality trend

The surge in fatal pedestrian accidents is a national concern. Since 2010, pedestrian deaths have skyrocketed by 77%, far surpassing the 25% increase in all other traffic-related fatalities. Last year alone, there were a record-breaking 7,508 pedestrian fatalities, the highest number since 1981, according to a new Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) study.

The situation is equally troubling in Kansas, with pedestrian deaths increasing by a staggering 161% since 2019. Even the pedestrian death rate has risen by approximately 67% in Kansas since 2018, reaching 1.6 deaths per 100,000 population.

"Every day, 20 people go for a walk and do not return home," GHSA chief executive officer Jonathan Adkins said in a statement. "These are people living their daily lives – commuting to and from school and work, picking up groceries, walking the dog, getting some exercise – who died suddenly and violently."

Kansas pedestrian accident statistics

A fatal pedestrian accident is a tragic incident in which a person on foot is struck by a motor vehicle and sustains lethal injuries. These accidents can occur in various settings, including crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, or residential streets.

Several factors contribute to the increase in fatal pedestrian accidents. The prevalence of larger and heavier vehicles on the roads, like SUVs and pickup trucks, poses a greater risk to pedestrians, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities. Dangerous driving behaviors, including distracted driving and speeding, remain major culprits.

Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as the absence of sidewalks, further jeopardizes pedestrian safety. In 2021, 69% of fatal pedestrian accidents nationwide occurred at locations without sidewalks.

Here are some more statistics about fatal pedestrian accidents in Kansas:

22% of fatal pedestrian crashes are hit-and-runs.
21% involve intersections.
15% of Kansas fatal pedestrian accidents involve distracted driving.
8.5% involved speeding.

Pedestrian accidents hit close to home

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is a traumatic experience. In Wichita and the surrounding area, recent serious and fatal pedestrian accidents include:

A teen driver fatally struck a 72-year-old man on First Street on a Friday night in Phillipsburg.
In June, a 70-year-old woman died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run in east Wichita near Douglas and Roosevelt.
Earlier that month, a 68-year-old man was killed in west Wichita at the intersection of Murdock and West Street.
In May, a pedestrian suffered critical injuries after they were hit at East Mount Vernon and Elpyco Avenue in southeast Wichita.

Warner Law Offices is here to help

Crash victims are often entitled to compensation for accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, and potentially more, depending on the circumstances. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims involving pedestrian accidents, making it vital to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights and advocate for fair compensation.

If you were hit by a car or a loved one died in a fatal pedestrian accident, contact Warner Law Offices to see how we can help you. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for your rights, holding negligent drivers accountable, and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out for a free case evaluation to understand the potential legal options available to you.