Wichita’s 12-Year Study on Pedestrian Crashes Reveals Troubling Trends

Pedestrian Accidents in Wichita Have Consistently Risen Over the Past Decade

Walking should not be a dangerous activity, but in Wichita, it is increasingly becoming so. A 12-year study analyzing pedestrian crashes between 2008 and 2019 paints a troubling picture of how unsafe it has become to walk in the city. Nearly every reported crash involving a pedestrian resulted in an injury, and serious or fatal injuries are far too common. The data underscores a growing public safety problem — one that has devastating consequences for victims and their families.

Wichita’s pedestrian safety problem mirrors a national crisis, but the local numbers are especially concerning. The findings from this city-specific study raise urgent questions about traffic enforcement, city planning, and driver behavior. They also highlight the importance of having an experienced Wichita pedestrian accident lawyer on your side if you were seriously hurt by a negligent driver.

Breaking down a dozen years of data

Between 2008 and 2019, a total of 979 crashes involving pedestrians were reported to the Wichita Police Department. These were not minor incidents. A staggering 97.5% of those crashes — 955 out of 979 — resulted in some form of injury. In 177 of those cases, the injury was either serious or fatal.

The study revealed a clear upward trend in pedestrian crashes over the years, reaching a peak in 2016 with 111 reported incidents. That was the highest number reported during the 12-year span, reflecting a broader pattern of increasing risk for people walking in the city.

Injuries Are Nearly Guaranteed and Often Severe

It’s not just that more pedestrian crashes are happening—it’s that most are leaving people seriously hurt. Nearly seven in ten crashes resulted in emergency medical response, with 67.3% of victims transported to the hospital for treatment. Serious injuries — defined as those involving broken bones, unconsciousness, or lasting impairment — were present in nearly one in five pedestrian crashes.

These numbers highlight the severity of the impacts and the vulnerability of pedestrians when struck by a vehicle. The consequences often go far beyond physical harm. Victims face lost wages, long recovery periods, and emotional trauma, not to mention the legal complexity of pursuing compensation.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Serious Harm

Not every pedestrian crash is the same. The study identified several factors that were strongly linked to the likelihood of a serious or fatal injury. Knowing these risk factors can help focus safety improvements, but they also illustrate the numerous ways a pedestrian can be placed in danger. Key risk factors for serious or fatal pedestrian injuries included:

• Age of the Pedestrian or Driver: Older pedestrians and younger drivers were more often involved in severe injury cases.
• Time of Day: Low-light or nighttime hours increased the likelihood of more serious outcomes.
• Roadway Characteristics and Driver Maneuvers: Complex intersections, turns, and speeding vehicles contributed to the severity of crashes.
• Substance Use: Both pedestrian and driver drug or alcohol use were significantly associated with the most serious outcomes.
• Location of the Pedestrian Before Impact: Individuals crossing mid-block or standing in the road were more likely to be seriously hurt.

These factors may also contribute to liability. When a driver speeds through a poorly lit area or fails to yield while impaired, the consequences fall squarely on the shoulders of the pedestrian. And yet, it’s often the pedestrian who has to fight hardest to be heard.

Kansas Is Not Immune to National Trends

The problems seen in Wichita reflect what’s happening across the country. Between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. increased by 32%. In 2016 alone, 6,080 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. By 2019, the national pedestrian fatality rate reached 1.91 per 100,000 population.

Kansas mirrored this rise. In 2019, the state’s pedestrian fatality rate was 0.55 per 100,000 — but by 2020, it had nearly tripled to 1.60. These numbers represent lives lost and families forever changed.

For injured pedestrians, recovery is often more than medical — it’s legal, financial, and deeply personal. Medical bills pile up. Insurance companies push back. And evidence can disappear quickly.

Legal deadlines in Kansas can move fast, especially in personal injury cases involving serious harm or wrongful death. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. Warner Law Offices in Wichita has extensive experience representing injured pedestrians across Kansas, helping victims hold negligent drivers accountable and securing fair and full compensation.

Contact us today if you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian crash. Don’t wait — a free consultation can provide answers, protect your rights, and help you begin the process of recovery, with legal support that walks the walk.

"I can't recommend Tom Warner highly enough. Not only is he hardworking and extremely knowledgeable, but he and his entire staff are also kind and compassionate people. He recently represented my family in the wrongful death of our Mother, which is the worst thing we've ever went through. Tom was there every step of the way, holding our hands legally and sometimes emotionally. If you're looking for an attorney who 'understands' both the law and how to be a caring person, then you want Tom and his staff on your side." — G.S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐