This document is available to the public from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation

National Highway 

Traffic Safety 

Administration 

DOT HS 809 456 April 2003 

Technical Report 

Pedestrian Roadway Fatalities 

Published By: 

National Center for Statistics and Analysis 

Advanced Research and Analysis 
This publication is distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis in the interest of information 

exchange. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the 

author(s) and not necessarily those of the Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic 

Safety Administration or the National Center for Statistics and Analysis. The United States Government 

assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. If trade or manufacturers= names or products are 

mentioned, it is only because they are considered essential to the object of the publication and should not 

be construed as an endorsement. The United States Government does not endorse products or 

manufacturers.
Technical Report Documentation Page 

1. Report No. 

DOT HS 809 456

2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No. 

5. Report Date 

April 2003

4. Title and Subtitle 

Pedestrian Roadway Fatalities 

6. Performing Organization Code 

NPO-121 

7. Author(s) 

Shankar, Umesh 

8. Performing Organization Report No. 

9. Performing Organization Name and Address 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS) 

Mathematical Analysis Division, National Center for Statistics and Analysis 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

NRD-31, 400 Seventh Street, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20590

11. Contract or Grant No. 

13. Type of Report and Period Covered 

NHTSA Technical Report 

12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address 

Mathematical Analysis Division, National Center for Statistics and Analysis 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

NRD-31, 400 Seventh Street, S.W. 

Washington, D.C. 20590

14. Sponsoring Agency Code 

15. Supplementary Notes 

Tonja Lindsey of the Mathematical Analysis Division contributed in the programming review of this report. 

Abstract 

The objective of this study by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) was to examine the pedestrian 

fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Data was analyzed for trends using the 1998 through 2001 NCSA’s Fatality Analysis 

Reporting System (FARS). Rates are calculated based on the US resident population data from the Census Bureau. 

Almost 175,000 pedestrians died in all motor vehicle crashes with more than 162,000 pedestrians killed in single vehicle 

crashes between 1975 and 2000. Pedestrian fatalities from all crashes reached a low of 4,763 fatalities in 2000. In 2001, 

pedestrian fatalities slightly increased to 4,882. However, in 2001, pedestrian fatalities accounted for about 12 percent of 

all fatalities and 85 percent of all non-occupant fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. 

Pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes accounted for over 90 percent of the pedestrian fatalities from all fatal motor

vehicle crashes. With such a high percentage of pedestrian fatalities from single vehicle crashes, this report was written to 

provide insight into the possible causes for these pedestrian fatalities. 

17. Key Words 

pedestrians, motor vehicle, singe vehicle, fatalities 

18. Distribution Statement 

Document is available to the public through the National 

Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161 

http//:www.ntis.gov

19. Security Classif. (of this report) 

Unclassified

20. Security Classif. (of this page) 

Unclassified

21. No. of Pages 

59

22. Price 

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose........................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Conclusions.................................................................................................................... 2

2. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................. 3

3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH ................................................................................................. 4

3.1 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) .............................................................. 4

3.2 Pedestrian Fatality Facts.............................................................................................. 5

3.3 Analytical Tools............................................................................................................. 6

4. FINDINGS............................................................................................................................. 7

4.1 Pedestrian Fatalities by Hit-and-Run and Year ........................................................ 7

4.2 Pedestrian Fatalities by Day of the Week and Year .................................................. 8

4.3 Pedestrian Fatalities by Light Condition and Year................................................... 9

4.4 Pedestrian Fatalities by Time of Day and Year ....................................................... 10

4.5 Pedestrian Fatalities by Month and Year................................................................. 11

4.6 Pedestrian Fatalities by Roadway Function Class and Year.................................. 12

4.7 Pedestrian Fatalities by Pedestrian Location and Year .......................................... 13

4.8 Age and Sex of Driver Involved when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 ................ 14

4.9 Driver Survival Status when a Pedestrian was Killed, by Year ............................. 15

4.10 Pedestrian Fatalities by Age Group and by Pedestrian Blood Alcohol 

Concentration (BAC) in 2001 .................................................................................... 15

4.11 Pedestrian Fatalities by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 2001...................................... 17

4.12 Pedestrian Fatalities by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 2001....................... 18

4.13 Age and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001.............................. 19

4.14 Time of Day and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 ............... 20

4.15 Sex and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 .............................. 21

4.16 Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in 2001...................................... 21

4.17 Driver Related Factors when a Pedestrian was Killed, by Year ............................ 22

4.18 Pedestrian Fatalities by Posted Speed Limit and Year ........................................... 23

4.19 Vehicles with Speeding as a Factor when a Pedestrian was Killed, by Year ........ 23

4.20 Pedestrian Fatalities by Related Factors and Year ................................................. 24

4.21 Ranking of State Pedestrian Fatality Rates in 2001 ................................................ 25
 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

4.22 Pedestrian Fatality Rates by City.............................................................................. 26

5. CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................. 28

5.1 Alcohol Involvement of Pedestrian and Driver........................................................ 28

5.2 Pedestrian Fatalities and Roadway Type ................................................................. 28

5.3 Pedestrian Fatalities and Location............................................................................ 28

5.4 Pedestrian Fatalities by Light Condition and Time of Day .................................... 28

5.5 Pedestrian Fatalities by Hit-and-Run Crashes......................................................... 29

5.6 Driver Related Factors when a Pedestrian Fatality Occurred ............................... 29

5.7 Pedestrian Fatalities by Related Factors in the Crash ............................................ 29

5.8 Pedestrian Fatalities by State and City..................................................................... 29

6. APPENDIX A: Data Source................................................................................................ 30

7. APPENDIX B: Additional Data.......................................................................................... 33

8. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 56
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 1

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report was written to provide insight into the possible causes for pedestrian highway 

fatalities involving a single motor vehicle (single vehicle crash, SV crash), which not 

surprisingly account for over 90 percent of pedestrian fatalities from motor vehicle 

crashes. The analysis was based on 1998-2001 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting 

System (FARS), a census of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. 

Almost 175,000 pedestrians died in all motor vehicle crashes with over 162,000 

pedestrians killed in single vehicle crashes between 1975 and 2001. As a long-term trend 

pedestrian fatalities have decreased from a high of 8,096 fatalities in 1979 to a low of 

4,763 in 2000. Pedestrian fatalities have decreased each year between 1995 (from 5,584)

and 2000, a reduction of 15 percentage points. In 2001, the pedestrian fatalities increased 

slightly (119 fatalities, 2.5 percentage point) to 4,882 fatalities, the first increase since 

1995. However, in 2001, pedestrians accounted for about 12 percent of all highway 

fatalities in motor vehicle crashes and 85 percent of all non-occupant fatalities in motor 

vehicle crashes. In 1979, pedestrians accounted for about 16 percent of all fatalities in 

motor vehicle crashes and 88 percent of all non-occupant fatalities in motor vehicle 

crashes. 

This report does not analyze all variables within the FARS database and other data 

sources. Also, this analysis does not examine injury data from the General Estimates 

System (GES), which reports on persons injured resulting from motor vehicle crashes. 

Further analyses need to be undertaken by examining other variables within FARS and 

GES that may provide additional information describing other factors associated with 

pedestrians in motor vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration (NHTSA) plans to conduct these analyses and report the findings. 

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this report is to: 

• Use FARS data to analyze pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes; 

• Identify possible causes for pedestrian fatalities; 

• Use exposure data of resident population from the US Census Bureau; and, 

• Combine the FARS data with exposure data to calculate population rates. 

The analytical approach involved several steps. First, reviews of FARS data, Traffic 

Safety Facts 2001: Pedestrians, and Traffic Safety Facts 2000 were conducted to 

determine the appropriate data elements to be examined within FARS. The data elements 

were then analyzed either individually or combined. The analysis was used to identify 

possible elements within the crash information for pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle 

crashes. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 2

1.2 Conclusions

There is not a single strategy that will reduce pedestrian fatalities – it is a comprehensive 

approach employing engineering, education and enforcement with the focus on both 

driver and pedestrian. NHTSA has been following some of these strategies in the past 

and will continue to disseminate program strategies, policies and messages based on 

these data. Findings from FARS data provide insight into possible reasons for pedestrian 

fatalities in single vehicle crashes and could aid in the design of crash prevention and 

pedestrian safety programs: 

3⁄4 Alcohol involvement with BAC ≥ 0.01 (37 percent) among pedestrians is a major 

problem. High intoxication levels with BAC ≥ 0.08 (32 percent) among 

pedestrians highlight the seriousness of alcohol involvement problem; 

3⁄4 Alcohol involvement (18 percent) among drivers of motor vehicles when a 

pedestrian was killed combined with the pedestrian alcohol involvement enhances 

the problem; 

3⁄4 Almost two-thirds of pedestrian fatalities occurred on urban roadways; 

3⁄4 Most pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections (over 75 percent) and 

roadways without crosswalks (over 40 percent); 

3⁄4 Pedestrian actions at the time of the crash indicate the risks pedestrians are taking 

while crossing the roadways; 

3⁄4 Driver actions at the time of the crash indicate the risks pedestrians encounter on 

roadways; 

3⁄4 Dark and dark but lighted conditions (almost two-thirds) are a major concern in 

pedestrian fatalities. Nighttime, especially 6 PM to midnight hours, account for 

almost 50 percent of the pedestrian fatalities. These suggest that conspicuity may 

be a problem; 

3⁄4 Almost one in five (18 percent) pedestrians killed was a result of a hit-and-run 

crash. More attention and effort on enforcement may be required; and, 

3⁄4 Among the states, New Mexico had the highest pedestrian fatality rate per 

100,000 population (3.94) followed by Arizona (3.00). In the ranking of cities 

based on pedestrian fatality rates, 5 of the top 10 cities were in Florida. The 3 

cities with the highest fatality rates were in Florida. States and cities with the 

highest pedestrian fatality rates need to focus on special safety messages to 

pedestrians. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 3

2. INTRODUCTION

Almost 175,000 pedestrians died in all motor vehicle crashed between 1975 and 2001. 

The 2001 FARS data show pedestrian fatalities from all crashes: 

• Accounted for about 12 percent of all highway fatalities involving motor vehicles; 

• More than one-fifth of all children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old killed in 

traffic crashes were pedestrians; 

• Forty-five percent of the 484 pedestrian fatalities under 16 years of age occurred 

between 3:00 PM and 7 PM; 

• Most pedestrian fatalities occurred at night between 6 PM and 6 AM (64 percent); 

• Most pedestrian fatalities occurred in urban areas (69 percent); and, 

• More than two-thirds (68 percent) of the 2001 pedestrian fatalities were males. In 

2000, the male pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population was 2.35 – more 

than double the rate for females (1.05 per 100,000 population). 

Over 162,000 pedestrians died in single vehicle crashes between 1975 and 2001. This 

report examines pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes from 1998-2001 in order to 

understand possible causes for the fatalities in these crashes. The purpose of this report is 

to: 

• Examine data from NHTSA’s FARS fatal motor vehicle crash database and 

combine this data with the US Census Bureau data; 

• Analyze data within specific problem areas by looking for possible causes and 

calculating rates; and, 

• Identify areas that may explain the possible reasons for pedestrian fatalities in 

single vehicle crashes. 

In order to better understand the reasons for pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes, 

FARS data can be analyzed by various cross tabulations using more than 100 data 

elements. These analyses among the different variables provide better understanding into 

the specific problem areas related to pedestrian fatalities. This analysis and report is 

based on FARS data elements cross-tabulated either combined or individually. 

The following sections describe the data and methodology used in the analysis, highlight 

the findings, and summarize the implications for crash prevention and pedestrian safety 

programs. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 4

3. ANALYTICAL APPROACH

The analytical approach for the report involved the following steps: 

• Reviewing the data sources, from FARS and US Census Bureau, to determine the 

data elements of interest and how these data elements could be combined; 

• Formulating hypotheses about possible factors in pedestrian fatalities in single 

vehicle crashes; 

• Calculating percentages and rates to analyze within specific data elements; and, 

• Summarizing data that focus on possible causes for pedestrian fatalities in single 

vehicle crashes. 

3.1 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) 

A review of FARS data shows 5,302 pedestrian fatalities from single vehicle crashes in 

1991, which represents 91 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. In 2001, there were 4,461 

pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes, 91 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. Table 

1 shows pedestrian fatalities from 1991 to 2001 by year and crash type. The proportion 

of pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes has not shown any significant change 

between 1991 and 2001. Pedestrian fatalities have decreased each year from 1995 to 

2000, reaching an all time low of 4,739 in 2000. 

Table 1 

Pedestrian Fatalities from All Crashes by Year and Type of Crash 

Type of Crash 

Year Single Vehicle Crash Multiple Vehicle Crash 

Number Percent Number Percent 

Total 

1991 5,302 91 499 9 5,801 

1992 5,099 92 450 8 5,549 

1993 5,180 92 469 8 5,649 

1994 5,027 92 462 8 5,489 

1995 5,110 92 474 8 5,584 

1996 5,024 92 425 8 5,449 

1997 4,876 92 445 8 5,321 

1998 4,801 92 427 8 5,228 

1999 4,516 91 423 9 4,939 

2000 4,340 91 423 9 4,763 

2001 4,461 91 421 9 4,882 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1991-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 5

Chart 1: Pedestrian Fatalities by Year and Type of Crash 

0

1,100

2,200

3,300

4,400

5,500

19911992199319941995199619971998199920002001

Year

Fatalities

Single Vehicle Crash Multiple Vehicle Crash

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1991-2001 

3.2 Pedestrian Fatality Facts

The pedestrian fatality related data from all crashes from the Traffic Safety Facts 2001

and Traffic Safety Facts 2001: Pedestrians provided the following information that 

served as a basis for formulating the hypotheses shown on page 6: 

• On average, a pedestrian was killed in a traffic crash every 108 minutes; 

• Nearly one-fifth (19 percent) of all traffic fatalities under age 16 were pedestrians; 

• Older pedestrians (ages 70+) accounted for 18 percent of all pedestrian fatalities 

in 2001. In 2000, the death rate for this age group, both males and females, was 

3.17 per 100,000 population – higher than for any other age group; 

• Over three-fourths (79 percent) of pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection 

locations; 

• Nearly one-half (48 percent) of all pedestrian fatalities occurred on Friday, 

Saturday, or Sunday: 17 percent, 18 percent, and 13 percent respectively; 

• Alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) – either for the driver or for the pedestrian – 

was reported in 47 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian 

fatalities; and, 

• Of the pedestrians involved, 33 percent were intoxicated, with blood alcohol 

concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dl) or greater. The 

intoxication rate for the drivers involved was only 15 percent, less than one-half 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 6

the rate for pedestrians. In 6 percent of the crashes, both the driver and the 

pedestrian were intoxicated (BAC ≥ 0.08). 

Based on the FARS data, and a review of the FARS data elements, Traffic Safety Facts 

2001, and Traffic Safety Facts 2001: Pedestrians, the following hypotheses were 

formulated for testing in further analysis of pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes: 

• Most pedestrian fatalities occur on highways involving a single vehicle; 

• Alcohol involvement among pedestrians is a major factor; 

• More pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection locations; 

• More pedestrian fatalities occur on urban roadways; 

• Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night; and, 

• Fatality rates among older pedestrians (ages 70+) are the highest. 

3.3 Analytical Tools

Review of FARS data indicates further in-depth analysis is required either using the data 

elements individually or by combining the data elements to look for possible causes of 

pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes. This report focuses on the following major 

areas: 

• Alcohol involvement of driver and pedestrian; 

• Alcohol involvement of drivers and pedestrians and time of day; 

• Alcohol involvement and age groups of drivers and pedestrians; 

• Light condition at time of crash; 

• Pedestrian location; 

• Time of day and day of the week; 

• Pedestrian and driver action at the time of the crash; 

• Rural/urban road type; 

• Hit-and-Run crashes; and, 

• Speeding as a factor in the crash. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 7

4. FINDINGS 

Detailed results are presented based on several of the FARS data elements used in the 

analysis of pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes. Some of the findings indicate 

possible causes for pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes. These are some of the 

areas that need attention and focus in developing safety programs for pedestrians and in 

the design of crash prevention programs. Additional data not shown in this section are 

given in Appendix B. Additional information relating to pedestrian fatalities can be 

found in the following two publications released each year by the National Center for 

Statistics and Analysis on the web at: 

Traffic Safety Facts 2001 – Pedestrians: 

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSF2001/2001pedestrian.pdf

Traffic Safety Facts 2001: 

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSFAnn/TSF2001.pdf

Information about the NHTSA pedestrian safety program can be found on the web at: 

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/ped/

4.1 Pedestrian Fatalities by Hit-and-Run and Year

Table 2 shows the number and percent of pedestrian fatalities by hit-and-run and year 

from 1998 to 2001. A hit-and-run crash is defined as a crash where a vehicle is a contact 

vehicle in the crash and does not stop to render aid (this includes drivers who flee the 

scene on foot). The numbers indicate that a majority of the pedestrian fatalities occur in 

crashes where no hit-and-run was involved. However, about 18 percent of the pedestrian 

fatalities in single vehicle crashes were as a result of a hit-and-run crash. The proportion 

of hit-and-run crashes where a pedestrian was killed has not shown any change between 

1998 and 2001. 

Table 2 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Hit-and-Run and Year 

Year 

Hit-and-Run 1998 1999 2000 2001 

No. % No. % No. % No. %

No Hit-and-Run 4,003 83 3,746 83 3,612 83 3,676 82 

Hit Pedestrian 796 17 766 17 723 17 781 18 

Hit Parked Vehicle 

or Object 2 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 

Total 4,801 100 4,516 100 4,340 100 4,461 100 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 8

4.2 Pedestrian Fatalities by Day of the Week and Year 

Table 3 shows the number and percent of pedestrian fatalities by day of the week from 

1998 to 2001. The data show more than one-third of the pedestrian fatalities occur on 

Friday and Saturday with most pedestrian fatalities occurring on Saturday compared to 

any other day of the week. 

Table 3 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Day of the Week and Year 

Year 

1998 1999 2000 2001 Day of the 

Week 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Sunday 634 13 591 13 600 14 567 13 

Monday 620 13 582 13 549 13 579 13 

Tuesday 653 14 584 13 579 13 550 12 

Wednesday 619 13 593 13 545 13 587 13 

Thursday 637 13 617 14 597 14 618 14 

Friday 790 16 761 17 705 16 764 17 

Saturday 846 18 787 17 764 18 792 18 

Unknown 2 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 

Total 4,801 100 4,516 100 4,340 100 4,461 100 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 9

4.3 Pedestrian Fatalities by Light Condition and Year 

Almost two-thirds of the pedestrian fatalities occurred when the light condition was either 

dark or dark but lighted. Comparing these numbers with data from Table 5 shows 

similarities between the time of day and the light condition. About one-third of the 

fatalities occurred during daytime. Table 4 shows the number of pedestrian fatalities 

from 1998 to 2001 by light condition and year. 

Table 4 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Light Condition and Year 

Year Light Condition 1998 1999 2000 2001 

Daylight 1,614 1,407 1,391 1,428 

Dark 1,446 1,430 1,321 1,360 

Dark but Lighted 1,542 1,464 1,458 1,457 

Dawn 74 87 67 77 

Dusk 109 113 83 92 

Unknown 16 15 20 47 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 10

4.4 Pedestrian Fatalities by Time of Day and Year 

Analysis of the data show that over 25 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occurred 

between 6 PM and 9 PM, which is the time frame with the highest number of pedestrian 

fatalities among any time of day groups. The next highest number of fatalities occurs 

between 9 PM and midnight. Table 5 below shows the number of pedestrian fatalities by 

time of day and year. The distribution of pedestrian fatalities by time of day has not 

changed significantly from 1998 to 2001. 

Table 5 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Time of Day and Year 

Year Time of Day 1998 1999 2000 2001 

Midnight to 3 AM 521 491 484 471 

3 AM to 6 AM 293 320 288 326 

6 AM to 9 AM 393 411 394 398 

9 AM to Noon 320 299 253 270 

Noon to 3 PM 385 295 355 347 

3 PM to 6 PM 640 571 539 575 

6 PM to 9 PM 1,211 1,145 1,127 1,111 

9 PM to Midnight 1,007 956 869 933 

Unknown 31 28 31 30 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 11

4.5 Pedestrian Fatalities by Month and Year

Review of the data from Table 6 show that pedestrian fatalities are more likely in the 

months of October, November and December. In 2001, these three months combined 

accounted for almost one-third (32 percent) of the pedestrian fatalities. 

 

Table 6 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Month and Year 

Year Month 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

January 429 403 395 364 

February 389 306 330 330 

March 340 361 362 347 

April 339 345 311 316 

May 327 345 329 317 

June 349 323 314 288 

July 359 375 290 330 

August 392 371 350 369 

September 412 345 400 376 

October 497 452 422 475 

November 489 433 409 480 

December 479 457 428 469 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 12

4.6 Pedestrian Fatalities by Roadway Function Class and Year 

In 2001, urban roads accounted for almost two-thirds (64 percent) of pedestrian fatalities 

with one-third of those on other principal arterial roads. Urban principal arterial roads 

(other than interstates and expressways) accounted for over 25 percent of the pedestrians 

killed in single vehicle crashes. Table 7 shows the number of pedestrian fatalities by 

roadway function class from 1998 to 2001. The number of unknowns in 2001 could 

change with release of the final FARS 2001 file. 

Table 7 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Roadway Function Class and Year 

Year Roadway Function Class 1998 1999 2000 2001 

Rural Roadway Total 1,491 1,407 1,250 1,272 

Principal Arterial Interstate 149 143 138 150 

Principal Arterial Other 334 280 222 249 

Minor Arterial 226 225 182 212 

Major Collector 312 286 261 284 

Minor Collector 94 92 79 73 

Local Road or Street 352 345 318 262 

Unknown 24 36 50 42 

Urban Roadway Total 3,279 3,090 3,005 2,850 

Principal Arterial Interstate 249 246 252 260 

Principal Arterial Other Expressways or Freeways 157 155 158 174 

Other Principal Arterial 1,268 1,143 1,146 1,032 

Minor Arterial 732 671 614 572 

Collector 194 170 172 152 

Local Road or Street 665 682 625 608 

Unknown 14 23 38 52 

Unknown Roadway Type 31 19 85 339 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 13

4.7 Pedestrian Fatalities by Pedestrian Location and Year 

Non-intersections accounted for over three-fourths of pedestrian fatalities in single 

vehicle crashes. Over 40 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur at intersections with no 

crosswalk. Table 8 shows the number of pedestrian fatalities by pedestrian location, from 

1998 to 2001. In fact, over half of all pedestrian fatalities at non-intersections were on 

roads without crosswalks. The number of unknowns in 2001 could change with release of 

the final FARS 2001 file. 

Table 8 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Pedestrian Location and Year 

(Non-Motorist Location) Year 

Pedestrian Location 1998 1999 2000 2001 

Total Intersection Location 1,069 938 989 940 

In Crosswalk 354 365 378 380 

On Roadway, Not in Crosswalk 209 165 175 179 

On Roadway, Crosswalk not Available 180 146 147 122 

On Roadway, Crosswalk Availability Unknown 281 230 253 223 

Not on Roadway 26 21 20 18 

Unknown 19 11 16 18 

Total Non-Intersection Location 3,713 3,556 3,330 3,474 

In Crosswalk 41 36 43 38 

On Roadway, Not in Crosswalk 539 484 516 601 

On Roadway, Crosswalk not Available 2,032 1,924 1,736 1,834 

On Roadway, Crosswalk Availability Unknown 697 663 617 591 

In Parking Lane 11 9 10 6 

On Road Shoulder 202 267 195 207 

Bike Path 2 1 0 0 

Outside Traffic-way 42 38 42 36 

Other, Not on Roadway 130 115 149 144 

Unknown 17 19 22 17 

Unknown Location 19 22 21 47 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 14

4.8 Age and Sex of Driver Involved when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 

Almost two-thirds of the time, male drivers were likely to be involved when a pedestrian 

was killed in single motor vehicle crash. Among all age groups, 20-29-year-old age 

group drivers were the most involved when a pedestrian fatality occurred. Male drivers 

were about 2.5 times as likely to be involved when a pedestrian was killed than female 

drivers. Among male (48 percent) and female (47 percent) drivers, 20-39-year-old age 

drivers accounted for over 40 percent of the drivers involved when a pedestrian was 

killed. The number of drivers with unknown age is high, which may be attributable to the 

hit-and-run crashes in which the driver might have left the scene of the crash. Table 9 

shows the age and sex of the driver involved when a pedestrian fatality occurred in 2001. 

Data for 1998, 1999 and 2000 are shown in Appendix B. The number of unknowns in 

2001 could change with release of the final FARS 2001 file. 

Table 9 

Age and Sex of Driver Involved when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

2001 

Age of Driver Sex of Driver Involved 

Involved Male Female Unknown 

Total

< 20 271 125 0 396 

20-29 693 291 1 985 

30-39 655 232 0 887 

40-49 526 215 1 742 

50-59 306 117 0 423 

> 59 303 126 0 429 

Unknown 47 5 440 492 

Total 2,801 1,111 442 4,354 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 15

4.9 Driver Survival Status when a Pedestrian was Killed, by Year 

Table 10 shows driver survival status when a pedestrian was killed from 1998 to 2001. 

As seen from the data, almost all the drivers involved with a pedestrian fatality survived 

in the crash. The numbers show that most serious injuries happen to the pedestrians. 

Table 10 

Driver Survival Status when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes, by Year 

Year Survival Status of Driver 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

Survived 4,694 4,385 4,240 4,347 

Killed 8 15 8 7 

Total 4,702 4,400 4,248 4,354 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 

4.10 Pedestrian Fatalities by Age Group and by Pedestrian Blood Alcohol Concentration 

(BAC) in 2001 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a fatal traffic crash as being 

alcohol-related if either a driver or a non-occupant (e.g., a pedestrian) had a blood alcohol 

concentration (BAC) of 0.01 grams per deciliter (g/dl) or greater in a police reported 

traffic crash. Persons with a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or greater involved in fatal crashes are 

considered to be intoxicated as per the legal limit of intoxication in most states. BAC 

values have been assigned to drivers involved in fatal crashes when alcohol test results 

are unknown. A complete description of the statistical procedures used for assigning 

unknown BACs in FARS can be found in two technical reports available from the 

National Center for Statistics and Analysis (Reference No. 2 & 3). 

The percent of fatally injured pedestrians who had been drinking in 2001 was 37 percent. 

However, a majority of the fatally injured pedestrians who had been drinking were 

intoxicated with a BAC ≥ 0.08. In 2001, there were 1,648 fatally injured pedestrians who 

had been drinking (BAC ≥ 0.01), of which 1,448 (88 percent) pedestrians killed were 

intoxicated (BAC ≥ 0.08). These numbers indicate an underlying problem because of the 

high proportion of pedestrian fatalities with BACs ≥ 0.08. Table 11 shows the number 

and percent of fatally injured pedestrians by their BAC in 2001. Data for 1998, 1999 and 

2000 are shown in Appendix B. 

Nearly two-thirds (60 percent) of the pedestrians killed in 30-39-year-old age group were 

alcohol involved (BAC ≥ 0.01). Among all age groups 30-39-year-old age group had the 

highest percentage of alcohol involvement. There were more pedestrians killed with 

alcohol involvement in the 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49-year-old age groups than without 

alcohol. The highest intoxication levels (i.e., BAC ≥ 0.08) of alcohol were in the 30-39-

year-old age group (54 percent) followed by the 20-29 and 40-49-year-old age groups, 

with 49 percent and 48 percent respectively. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 16

Table 11 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Age Group and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 617 85 14 2 93 13 107 15 724 

20-29 214 45 32 7 235 49 266 55 480 

30-39 266 40 37 6 354 54 391 60 657 

40-49 375 47 41 5 382 48 423 53 797 

50-59 302 54 34 6 227 40 261 46 563 

> 59 1,014 86 37 3 132 11 170 14 1,183 

Unknown 27 47 5 8 26 45 30 53 57 

Total 2,813 63 200 4 1,448 32 1,648 37 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001

Chart 2: Pedestrian Fatalities by Age Group and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

< 20 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 > 59

Pedestrian Age Group

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC 0.08+

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 17

4.11 Pedestrian Fatalities by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

Table 12 shows the number and percentage of fatally injured pedestrians with alcohol 

involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) in 2001 by sex of the pedestrian. Fatally injured male 

pedestrians with alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) were twice as likely to have alcohol 

involvement than female pedestrians. Data for 1998, 1999 and 2000 are shown in 

Appendix B. 

Table 12 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 1,732 56 155 5 1,194 39 1,350 44 3,081 

Female 1,076 78 44 3 253 18 297 22 1,373 

Unknown 5 76 0 3 2 21 2 24 7 

Total 2,813 63 200 4 1,448 32 1,648 37 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001

Chart 3: Pedestrian Fatalities by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

Male Female

Pedestrian Sex

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC 0.08+

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 18

4.12 Pedestrian Fatalities by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

Review of the data from Table 13 show two-thirds of the pedestrian fatalities between 

midnight and 3 AM were alcohol involved. More than half of the pedestrian fatalities 

between 9 PM and midnight and from 3 AM to 6 AM were alcohol involved. In fact, 60 

percent of the pedestrians killed between midnight and 3 AM were intoxicated compared 

to almost half of the pedestrians killed between 9 PM and midnight. Almost 25 percent 

of the pedestrian fatalities occurred between 6 PM and 9 PM. Data for 1998, 1999 and 

2000 are shown in Appendix B. 

Table 13 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 158 34 32 7 281 60 313 66 471 

3 AM to 6 AM 147 45 19 6 160 49 179 55 326 

6 AM to 9 AM 349 88 12 3 38 9 49 12 398 

9 AM to Noon 255 95 3 1 12 4 15 5 270 

Noon to 3 PM 317 91 5 2 24 7 30 9 347 

3 PM to 6 PM 481 84 24 4 70 12 94 16 575 

6 PM to 9 PM 669 60 50 4 392 35 442 40 1,111 

9 PM to Midnight 419 45 53 6 461 49 514 55 933 

Unknown 17 57 1 4 12 39 13 43 30 

Total 2,813 63 200 4 1,448 32 1,648 37 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001

Chart 4: Pedestrian fatalities by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 2001 

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

0-3 3-6 6-9 9-12 12-15 15-18 18-21 21-24

Time of Day (Military Time)

Percent Fatalities

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC 0.08+

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 19

4.13 Age and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 

Table 14 shows the number and percent of drivers involved by age group in 2001 when a 

pedestrian was killed. Overall, 18 percent of the drivers involved had some alcohol 

involvement when a pedestrian was killed. Fourteen percent of the drivers involved were 

intoxicated with a BAC≥0.08. Among all age groups, 30-39-year-old age group drivers 

involved had the highest level of alcohol involvement. Data for 1998, 1999 and 2000 are 

shown in Appendix B. The number of unknowns in 2001 could change with release of 

the final FARS 2001 file. 

Table 14 

Age and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 2001 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 350 88 16 4 30 8 46 12 396 

20-29 798 81 49 5 138 14 187 19 985 

30-39 710 80 39 4 138 16 177 20 887 

40-49 624 84 25 3 93 13 118 16 742 

50-59 379 90 8 2 36 9 44 10 423 

> 59 400 93 9 2 20 5 29 7 429 

Unknown 297 60 50 10 145 30 196 40 492 

Total 3,557 82 195 4 602 14 797 18 4,354 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 20

4.14 Time of Day and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 

Drivers involved between midnight and 3 AM when a pedestrian was killed were most 

likely to have alcohol involvement (BAC ≥ 0.01) compared to any other time of day. 

Table 15 shows the number and percent of drivers involved by time of day and driver 

BAC when a pedestrian was killed in 2001. Over one-third (38 percent) of the drivers 

involved between midnight and 3 AM were alcohol involved (BAC ≥ 0.01), followed by 

3 AM to 6 AM with 31 percent of the drivers with alcohol involvement. Data for 1998, 

1999 and 2000 are shown in Appendix B. 

Table 15 

Time of Day and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes, in 

2001 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 288 62 47 10 131 28 177 38 465 

3 AM to 6 AM 222 69 21 6 78 24 99 31 321 

6 AM to 9 AM 358 93 9 2 19 5 28 7 386 

9 AM to Noon 245 96 3 1 7 3 10 4 255 

Noon to 3 PM 309 93 5 1 18 5 22 7 331 

3 PM to 6 PM 510 90 14 3 40 7 55 10 565 

6 PM to 9 PM 904 83 47 4 136 13 183 17 1,087 

9 PM to Midnight 703 77 47 5 163 18 211 23 914 

Unknown 17 58 3 10 10 32 13 42 30 

Total 3,557 82 195 4 602 14 797 18 4,354 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 21

4.15 Sex and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in 2001 

Table 16 shows the number and percent of drivers involved by their sex and BAC when a 

pedestrian was killed in 2001. Male drivers were about 1.4 times as likely than female 

drivers to have alcohol involvement when a pedestrian was killed. Overall, over 80 

percent of the drivers did not have alcohol when involved in the crash. Data for 1998, 

1999 and 2000 are shown in Appendix B. The number of unknowns in 2001 could 

change with release of the final FARS 2001 file.

Table 16 

Sex and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 2001 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 2,310 82 115 4 376 13 491 18 2,801 

Female 982 88 33 3 96 9 129 12 1,111 

Unknown 264 60 47 11 130 30 178 40 442 

Total 3,557 82 195 4 602 14 797 18 4,354 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001

4.16 Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in 2001 

Alcohol involvement in single vehicle crashes – either for the driver or for the pedestrian 

– was reported in 47 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities. Of 

the pedestrians involved, 33 percent were intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration 

(BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dl) or greater. The intoxication rate for the drivers 

involved was 14 percent, less than one-half that for the pedestrians. In 6 percent of the 

crashes, both the driver and the pedestrian were intoxicated. These numbers indicate a 

problem of higher alcohol involvement among pedestrians than drivers involved in fatal 

motor vehicle crashes. Table 17 shows percent of alcohol involvement in fatal pedestrian 

crashes in 2001. Data for 1998, 1999 and 2000 are shown in Appendix B. 

Table 17 

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Pedestrian SV Crashes in 2001 

Driver Alcohol Involvement 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC≥0.08 Total 

Pedestrian 

Alcohol 

Involvement No. % No. % No. % No. % 

BAC 0.00 2,345 53 98 2 308 7 2,751 63 

BAC 0.01-0.07 154 3 10 0 34 1 197 4 

BAC≥0.08 1,094 25 87 2 260 6 1,442 33 

Total 3,593 82 195 4 602 14 4,390 100 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2001
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 22

4.17 Driver Related Factors when a Pedestrian was Killed, by Year 

Table 18 shows the number of drivers involved when a pedestrian was killed with the 

police-reported driver-related factors by year. The driver factors shown are some of the 

major factors that were reported by the police on their report. The data show that most of 

the drivers did not have any driver-related factors mentioned in the police accident report. 

All other driver factors are combined together consisting of about 75 other driver-related 

factors since the individual numbers were too small to list. Some of the factors relating 

to the driver like being inattentive, failure to keep in proper lane, failure to yield right of 

way, driving too fast for conditions and hit-and-run vehicle driver indicate the risks 

pedestrians encounter on roadways due to the driver actions. The sum of the numbers is 

greater than total drivers involved, as more than one factor may be present for the same 

driver. 

Table 18 

Driver Related Factors when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes by Year 

Year Driver Related Factors 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

None 2,494 2,237 2,217 2,260 

Inattentive 309 330 304 312 

Failure to Keep in Proper Lane 247 278 280 263 

Operating a Vehicle in Erratic and Reckless 

Manner 149 137 139 148 

Failure to Yield Right-of Way 334 328 337 297 

Driving too Fast for Conditions 332 347 283 311 

Hit and Run Vehicle Driver 734 712 652 691 

Non-Traffic Violation (offense committed 

without malice) 190 187 136 141 

Other Non-Moving Traffic Violations 231 234 210 167 

All Other Factors 822 848 784 865 

Total Drivers Involved 4,702 4,400 4,248 4,354 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 23

4.18 Pedestrian Fatalities by Posted Speed Limit and Year 

Table 19 shows the number of pedestrian fatalities by posted speed limit and year. Most 

pedestrian fatalities in single vehicle crashes occur on roads with a posted speed limit 

between 30-39 miles per hour followed by a posted speed limit of 50 and over miles per 

hour. 

Table 19 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Posted Speed Limit and Year 

Year Posted Speed Limit 1998 1999 2000 2001 

Less than 30 491 476 462 458 

30-39 1,507 1,397 1,377 1,337 

40-49 1,190 1,108 1,008 1,078 

50 and Over 1,424 1,351 1,322 1,341 

Unknown 189 184 171 247 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001

4.19 Vehicles with Speeding as a Factor when a Pedestrian was Killed, by Year 

NHTSA considers a crash speeding-related if the driver was charged with a speedingrelated offense or if an officer indicated that racing, driving too fast conditions, or 

exceeding the posted speed limit was a contributing factor in the crash. Most of the 

vehicles involved when a pedestrian was killed did not have speeding as a factor recorded 

in the crash. Less than 10 percent of the vehicles had speeding recorded as a factor in the 

crash. Table 20 shows the number and percent of vehicles involved by year with 

speeding as a factor in the crash. 

Table 20 

Drivers of Vehicles with Speeding as a Factor When a Pedestrian was Killed in SV 

Crashes, by Year 

Speeding Factor 

Year Speeding Not Speeding 

Number Percent Number Percent 

Total 

1998 336 7 4,405 93 4,741 

1999 351 8 4,095 92 4,446 

2000 291 7 3,992 93 4,283 

2001 317 7 4,073 93 4,390 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 24

4.20 Pedestrian Fatalities by Related Factors and Year 

Table 21 shows the number of pedestrian fatalities by related factor and year. About 30 

percent of the pedestrian fatalities were related to improper crossing of the roadway or 

intersection. Over one-fourth of the fatalities were related to walking, playing, working, 

etc., in the roadway. About 15 percent of the pedestrian fatalities were related to failure 

to yield right-of-way as a factor in the crash followed by about 14 percent of the fatalities 

related to darting or running on the road. The sum of the numbers is greater than total 

pedestrians killed as more than one factor may be present for the same pedestrian. 

Table 21 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Related Factors and Year 

Year Related Factors 

1998 1999 2000 2001 

Improper crossing of roadway or intersection 1,449 1,420 1,322 1,297 

Walking, playing, working, etc., in roadway 1,401 1,259 1,074 1,114 

Failure to yield right of way 667 629 624 647 

Darting or running into road 613 618 571 521 

Not visible 377 368 426 423 

Inattentive (talking, eating, etc.) 126 102 114 139 

Failure to obey traffic signal, signals, or officer 64 68 77 82 

Other factors 212 231 204 215 

None reported 1,172 1,110 1,186 1,283 

Unknown 80 88 48 100 

Total 4,801 4,516 4,340 4,461 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2001
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 25

4.21 Ranking of State Pedestrian Fatality Rates in 2001 

Table 22 shows the pedestrian fatality rates per 100,000 US resident population based on 

2001 data for the top ten ranked states based on fatality rates. New Mexico with a fatality 

rate of 3.94 ranked first followed by Arizona with a rate of 3.00. The rates show Florida, 

with the second highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2001, ranked third among states 

based on the pedestrian fatality rates and resident population. Rates for the other states 

can be found in Table 113 of the Traffic Safety Facts 2001 (reference 4). 

Table 22 

Ranking of State Pedestrian Fatality Rates from All Crashes in 2001 

Rank State Pedestrians 

Killed 

Population 

(Thousands) 

Pedestrian Fatality 

Rate per 100,000 

Population 

1 New Mexico 72 1,829 3.94 

2 Arizona 159 5,307 3.00 

3 Florida 489 16,397 2.98 

4 South Carolina 108 4,063 2.66 

5 Hawaii 30 1,224 2.45 

6 Louisiana 98 4,465 2.19 

7 Nevada 45 2,106 2.14 

8 Delaware 17 796 2.14 

9 Texas 449 21,325 2.11 

10 Mississippi 59 2,858 2.06 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, Traffic Safety Facts 2001, Table 113 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 26

4.22 Pedestrian Fatality Rates by City 

Table 23 shows the pedestrian fatality rates for the top ten cities based on the average of 

pedestrian fatalities from 1998-2000 along with the resident population of 100,000 or 

more for 2000. Out of the top 10 cities, 5 cities are in the state of Florida. Florida also 

has 3 cities with the highest pedestrian fatality rates of 7.66, 6.07 and 6.04. Almost onethird of the average total fatalities between 1998 and 2000 in the top four cities were 

pedestrian fatalities. Since the population for the cities was not available for 2001, rates 

are calculated based on 1998-2000 pedestrian fatalities. The fatality rates for the other 

cities are shown in Appendix B. 

Table 23 

Pedestrian Fatality Rates from All Crashes by City 

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrian 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrian 

1 Fort 

Lauderdale, 

FL 

31 12 152,397 20.34 7.66 

2 Miami, FL 60 22 362,470 16.65 6.07 

3 Tampa, FL 58 18 303,447 19.22 6.04 

4 Newark, NJ 39 14 273,546 14.26 5.24 

5 Louisville, 

KY 53 13 256,231 20.68 5.20 

6 Columbia, 

SC 25 6 116,278 21.79 5.16 

7 Atlanta, GA 72 21 416,474 17.21 5.12 

8 Detroit, MI 158 48 951,270 16.64 5.05 

9 Clearwater, 

FL 14 5 108,787 12.56 4.90 

10 Orlando, FL 33 9 185,951 17.93 4.66 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2000, US Census Bureau 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 27

Table 24 shows cities with 500,000 or more population in 2000 ranked by pedestrian 

fatality rates for the five cities with the highest fatality rates. Detroit is the only common 

city between Tables 23 and 24 based on the pedestrian fatality rate ranking. 

Table 24 

Pedestrian Fatality Rates from All Crashes by City – Highest Rate 

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrian 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrian 

1 Detroit, MI 158 48 951,270 16.64 5.05 

2 Denver, CO 61 23 554,636 11.06 4.21 

3 Phoenix, AZ 187 51 1,321,045 14.18 3.89 

4 San 

Francisco, 

CA 

52 30 776,733 6.65 3.82 

5 Dallas, TX 169 42 1,188,580 14.22 3.51 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2000, US Census Bureau 

Table 25 shows cities with 500,000 or more population in 2000 ranked by pedestrian 

fatality rates for the five cities with the lowest fatality rates. 

Table 25 

Pedestrian Fatality Rates from All Crashes by City – Lowest Rate 

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrian 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrian 

1 Seattle, WA 26 6 563,374 4.67 1.01 

2 Indianapolis, 

IN 38 9 791,926 4.76 1.09 

3 Columbus, 

OH 52 10 711,470 7.26 1.41 

4 Milwaukee, 

WI 35 9 596,974 5.86 1.45 

5 Oklahoma 

City, OK 63 9 506,132 12.51 1.78 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2000, US Census Bureau 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 28

5. CONCLUSIONS 

The analysis described in this report could aid in the design of safety messages and 

countermeasure programs to reduce pedestrian fatalities. Most of the pedestrian fatalities 

in single vehicle crashes were associated with urban roads, nighttime crashes, male 

pedestrians and high alcohol use among pedestrians. There is not a single strategy that 

will reduce pedestrian fatalities – it is a comprehensive approach employing engineering, 

education and enforcement with the focus on both driver and pedestrian. NHTSA has 

been following some of these strategies in the past and will continue to disseminate 

program strategies, policies and messages based on these data. 

This report does not analyze all variables within the FARS database and other data 

sources. Also, this analysis does not examine injury data from the General Estimates 

System (GES), which reports on persons injured resulting from motor vehicle crashes. 

Further analyses need to be undertaken by examining other variables within FARS and 

GES that may provide additional information describing other factors associated with 

pedestrian fatalities and injuries from motor vehicle crashes. NHTSA plans to conduct 

these analyses and report the findings. 

5.1 Alcohol Involvement of Pedestrian and Driver 

Alcohol involvement among pedestrians accounted for about 40 percent of all pedestrian 

fatalities. The alcohol involvement during nighttime motor vehicle crashes and among 

male pedestrians was even higher than 40 percent. Among all fatally injured pedestrians, 

most were found to be intoxicated. Alcohol involvement among drivers was 18 percent 

when a pedestrian fatality occurred. Both pedestrians and drivers can be made aware of 

the dangers of alcohol involvement for pedestrians. 

5.2 Pedestrian Fatalities and Roadway Type 

With almost two-thirds of all pedestrian fatalities occurring on urban roads, it is 

imperative that safety messages in the major urban metropolitan cities should highlight 

the risks involved for pedestrians from motor vehicle crashes. 

5.3 Pedestrian Fatalities and Location 

Since over three-fourths of the pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections, motor 

vehicle operators and pedestrians should be made aware of the necessity of sharing the 

public roadways in order to reduce pedestrian fatalities. This is especially necessary on 

roadways without crosswalks. 

5.4 Pedestrian Fatalities by Light Condition and Time of Day 

Dark and dark but lighted conditions accounted for almost two-thirds of the pedestrian 

fatalities. Nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 6 PM and midnight. 

These may be related to the conspicuity of pedestrians for drivers of motor vehicles. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 29

Messages indicating that pedestrians should wear clothing that is more visible during 

these light conditions and to be extremely careful while crossing or on the roadways may 

help alleviate this problem. Messages should also be directed to operators of motor 

vehicles to be cautious during these light conditions and to watch for pedestrians on 

roadways. Improving the lighting on the public roadways may also help alleviate the 

problem of conspicuity of pedestrians. 

5.5 Pedestrian Fatalities by Hit-and-Run Crashes 

Almost 20 percent of the pedestrian fatalities were a result of hit-and-run crashes. This 

information must be highlighted to the enforcement community and also to operators of 

motor vehicles to help reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities in hit-and-run motor 

vehicle crashes. 

5.6 Driver Related Factors when a Pedestrian Fatality Occurred 

Some of the factors relating to the driver like being inattentive (7 percent), failure to keep 

in proper lane (6 percent), failure to yield right of way (7 percent), driving too fast for 

conditions (7 percent) and hit-and-run vehicle driver (16 percent) indicate the risks 

pedestrians encounter on roadways due to the driver actions. 

5.7 Pedestrian Fatalities by Related Factors in the Crash 

Four of the major factors in the crash when a pedestrian was killed were actions relating 

only to the pedestrian. The factors recorded were: 

• Improper Crossing of Roadway or Intersection (29 percent) 

• Walking, Playing, Working, etc., in Roadway (25 percent) 

• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way (14 percent) 

• Darting or Running into Road (12 percent) 

Work should be undertaken to better understand these factors and identify strategies, 

enforcement, education and engineering to reduce the problem among pedestrians. 

5.8 Pedestrian Fatalities by State and City 

Based on the pedestrian fatality rates per 100,000 US resident population, New Mexico 

had the highest fatality rate followed by Arizona among all states. In the ranking of cities 

based on pedestrian fatality rates, 5 of the top 10 cities were in Florida. The 3 cities with 

the highest fatality rates were in Florida. 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 30

6. APPENDIX A: Data Source 

The following section gives information relating to the data source used in the analysis. 

6.1 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) collects and analyzes data, 

conducts research, and disseminates statistical information to support efforts by NHTSA 

and the highway safety community aimed at reducing deaths, injuries and economic 

losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. 

NCSA designed and developed the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database, 

a national census of police-reported motor vehicle crashes resulting in fatal injuries. 

FARS compiles data from various sources on the location and circumstances of the crash, 

types of vehicles, and people involved. This system generates overall measures of 

highway safety, helps identify traffic safety problems, and provides a basis to evaluate 

the effectiveness of motor vehicle safety standards and highway safety programs. 

The FARS system became operational in 1975. It contains a census of fatal motor 

vehicle traffic crashes within the 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 

A motor vehicle crash is a transport incident that involves a motor vehicle in transport, is 

not an aircraft incident or water craft incident, and does not include any harmful event 

involving a railway train in transport prior to involvement of a motor vehicle in transport. 

To be included in FARS, a crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way 

customarily open to the public, and result in the death of a person (either an occupant of a 

vehicle or a non-motorist) within 30 days of the crash. Data elements contain specific 

information including the age of the person, license status of the driver, roadway type, 

motorcycle engine size, and land use (urban/rural). These data elements can be used in 

determining trends relating to fatal crashes. Thus, the FARS system provides a basis to 

evaluate the effectiveness of motor vehicle safety standards and highway safety 

programs. 

NHTSA has contracted with an agency in each state to provide information on fatal 

crashes. Data on fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes are gathered from the state’s own 

source documents and are coded on standard FARS forms. The analyst or analysts from 

the contract agency in each state obtain documents needed to complete the FARS forms, 

which generally include some or all of the following: 

Police Accident Reports (PARS); 

State vehicle registration files; 

State driver-licensing files; 

State Highway Department data; 

Vital Statistics; 

Death certificates; 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 31

Coroner/medical examiner reports; 

Hospital medical records; and, 

Emergency medical services reports. 

The FARS file contains descriptions of each fatal crash reported. Each crash has more 

than 100 coded data elements that characterize the crash, the vehicles, and the people 

involved. The specific data elements may be modified slightly at times, in response to 

users’ needs and highway safety emphasis areas. 

All data elements are reported on one of the following forms: 

The Accident Form: This form records information about the time and location of the 

crash, the first harmful event in the crash, whether it is a hit-and-run crash, whether a 

school bus was involved, and the number of vehicles and people involved. Information 

on the weather conditions, roadway surface conditions, geometric profiles of the 

highways, the geographic location of the crash including the route information as well as 

the presence of the traffic control devices is also recorded in this form. Roadway 

information such as the functional classification, route, National Highway System (NHS) 

relation, land use, the number of lanes, and the flow of traffic at the site of the crash is 

recorded on this form. 

The Vehicle and Driver Form: These forms include the data for each vehicle and driver 

involved in the fatal crash. The data include the vehicle type, the initial and principal 

points of impact, the most harmful event, and the driver’s license status. 

The Person Form: This form contains data on each person involved in the fatal crash. 

The data include the age, gender, role (driver, passenger, non-motorist), the severity of 

the injuries sustained, and the restraint usage characteristics. 

FARS data can be used to answer a myriad of questions on the safety of vehicles, drivers, 

pedestrians, traffic situations, roadways and environmental conditions. But the data 

cannot by themselves be used to calculate the rates to find trends over a period of time 

based on exposure data. For example, FARS data can be used in evaluating the following: 

Speed limit as a factor in fatal crashes; 

Fatalities by zip code, region, county, or state; 

Fatal crashes by land use categories (urban or rural); 

Fatalities by type of roadway; 

Pedestrian fatalities by zip code, region, county or state; 

Fatalities by vehicle type (passenger car or motorcycle); 

Fatalities by age group; and, 

Fatalities in various weather or road surface conditions. 

NCSA has developed a variety of reports and fact sheets using the information from 

FARS. Some are produced annually. Examples of the fact sheets and reports include: 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 32

Traffic Safety Facts: An annual compilation of data on motor vehicle crashes; 

Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes as a leading cause of death in the US, 1997: A report 

examining the status of fatalities in motor vehicle crashes compared to the other causes of 

death; 

Traffic Safety Facts – Pedestrians: An annual compilation of data on pedestrians in 

motor vehicle crashes; and, 

Traffic Safety Facts – Alcohol: An annual compilation of data on the effects and 

involvement of alcohol in motor vehicle crashes. 

Additional information on traffic safety facts, FARS and other publications can be 

obtained from the NHTSA’s website at: 

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 33

7. APPENDIX B: Additional Data 

Table B-1 

Age and Sex of Driver Involved when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

1998 

Age of Driver Sex of Driver Involved 

Involved Male Female Unknown Total 

< 20 316 148 0 464 

20-29 822 316 0 1,138 

30-39 690 252 0 942 

40-49 589 196 1 786 

50-59 335 121 0 456 

> 59 347 119 0 466 

Unknown 48 2 400 450 

Total 3,147 1,154 401 4,702 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998 

Table B-2 

Age and Sex of Driver Involved when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

1999 

Age of Driver Sex of Driver Involved 

Involved Male Female Unknown Total 

< 20 306 119 0 425 

20-29 747 278 0 1,025 

30-39 636 255 0 891 

40-49 481 204 0 685 

50-59 365 119 0 484 

> 59 329 129 0 458 

Unknown 39 4 389 432 

Total 2,903 1,108 389 4,400 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 34

Table B-3 

Age and Sex of Driver Involved when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

2000 

Age of Driver Sex of Driver Involved 

Involved Male Female Unknown Total 

< 20 294 126 0 420 

20-29 711 267 0 978 

30-39 605 261 0 866 

40-49 486 182 1 669 

50-59 328 123 0 451 

> 59 332 109 0 441 

Unknown 40 1 382 440 

Total 2,796 1,069 383 4,248 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000 

Table B-4 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Age Group and Pedestrian BAC in 1998 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 720 87 20 2 88 11 108 13 828 

20-29 206 43 29 6 247 51 276 57 482 

30-39 318 41 49 6 410 53 459 59 777 

40-49 329 41 57 7 412 52 469 59 798 

50-59 295 56 26 5 207 39 233 44 528 

> 59 1,117 83 52 4 175 13 227 17 1,343 

Unknown 24 52 2 4 20 43 21 48 45 

Total 3,008 63 235 5 1,558 32 1,793 37 4,801 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 35

Table B-5 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Age Group and Pedestrian BAC in 1999 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 671 86 19 2 94 12 113 14 784 

20-29 203 45 30 7 222 49 252 55 455 

30-39 262 37 37 5 405 58 442 63 704 

40-49 342 45 35 5 383 50 418 55 760 

50-59 280 53 24 5 227 43 252 47 532 

> 59 1,030 83 34 3 177 14 210 17 1,240 

Unknown 24 59 1 2 16 39 17 41 41 

Total 2,812 62 180 4 1,524 34 1,705 38 4,516 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999

Table B-6 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Age Group and Pedestrian BAC in 2000 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 655 89 15 2 69 9 83 11 738 

20-29 209 45 24 5 227 49 250 55 459 

30-39 248 38 44 7 354 55 398 62 646 

40-49 336 43 37 5 406 52 443 57 779 

50-59 304 56 28 5 209 39 237 44 541 

> 59 958 84 44 4 136 12 180 16 1,138 

Unknown 17 42 3 7 20 51 23 58 39 

Total 2,726 63 194 4 1,420 33 1,614 37 4,340 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000

Table B-7 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 1998 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 1,804 56 175 5 1,264 39 1,439 44 3,243 

Female 1,205 77 60 4 294 19 353 23 1,558 

Total 3,008 63 235 5 1,558 32 1,793 37 4,801 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 36

Table B-8 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 1999 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 1,743 55 131 4 1,275 40 1,406 45 3,149 

Female 1,068 78 49 4 249 18 298 22 1,366 

Unknown 1 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 

Total 2,812 62 180 4 1,524 34 1,705 38 4,516 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999

Table B-9 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Sex and Pedestrian BAC in 2000 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 1,646 56 142 5 1,164 39 1,306 44 2,952 

Female 1,080 78 52 4 256 18 308 22 1,388 

Total 2,726 63 194 4 1,420 33 1,614 37 4,340 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000

Table B-10 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 1998 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 141 27 47 9 333 64 380 73 521 

3 AM to 6 AM 142 48 16 5 136 46 152 52 293 

6 AM to 9 AM 349 89 10 3 34 9 44 11 393 

9 AM to Noon 288 90 12 4 21 6 32 10 320 

Noon to 3 PM 346 90 12 3 27 7 39 10 385 

3 PM to 6 PM 534 84 23 4 83 13 106 17 640 

6 PM to 9 PM 769 64 45 4 397 33 442 36 1,211 

9 PM to Midnight 427 42 69 7 511 51 580 58 1,007 

Unknown 12 39 2 7 17 54 19 61 31 

Total 3,008 63 235 5 1,558 32 1,793 37 4,801 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 37

Table B-11 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 1999 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 142 29 40 8 309 63 349 71 491 

3 AM to 6 AM 150 47 17 5 153 48 170 53 320 

6 AM to 9 AM 365 89 9 2 37 9 46 11 411 

9 AM to Noon 282 94 4 1 13 4 17 6 299 

Noon to 3 PM 271 92 9 3 16 5 24 8 295 

3 PM to 6 PM 493 86 12 2 66 12 78 14 571 

6 PM to 9 PM 706 62 40 4 399 35 439 38 1,145 

9 PM to Midnight 384 40 50 5 522 55 572 60 956 

Unknown 18 63 0 1 10 36 10 37 28 

Total 2,812 62 180 4 1,524 34 1,705 38 4,516 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999

Table B-12 

Pedestrian Fatalities in SV Crashes by Time of Day and Pedestrian BAC in 2000 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 129 27 35 7 320 66 355 73 484 

3 AM to 6 AM 136 47 23 8 129 45 152 53 288 

6 AM to 9 AM 355 90 10 2 29 7 39 10 394 

9 AM to Noon 230 91 3 1 20 8 23 9 253 

Noon to 3 PM 327 92 4 1 24 7 29 8 355 

3 PM to 6 PM 454 84 17 3 67 13 85 16 539 

6 PM to 9 PM 721 64 55 5 351 31 406 36 1,127 

9 PM to Midnight 357 41 46 5 466 54 512 59 869 

Unknown 18 58 0 1 13 41 13 42 31 

Total 2,726 63 194 4 1,420 33 1,614 37 4,340 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 38

Table B-13 

Age and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 1998 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 421 91 19 4 24 5 43 9 464 

20-29 932 82 60 5 146 13 206 18 1,138 

30-39 756 80 41 4 146 15 186 20 942 

40-49 666 85 28 4 92 12 120 15 786 

50-59 408 90 11 2 36 8 48 10 456 

> 59 441 95 7 2 17 4 25 5 466 

Unknown 292 65 29 6 129 29 158 35 450 

Total 3,917 83 195 4 590 13 785 17 4,702 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998

Table B-14 

Age and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 1999 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 380 89 19 4 26 6 45 11 425 

20-29 845 82 4 4 136 13 180 18 1,025 

30-39 719 81 41 5 132 15 173 19 891 

40-49 590 86 24 4 70 10 95 14 685 

50-59 434 90 13 3 37 8 50 10 484 

> 59 432 94 13 3 14 3 27 6 458 

Unknown 349 81 12 3 71 16 83 19 432 

Total 3,749 85 165 4 486 11 651 15 4,400 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 39

Table B-15 

Age and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 2000 

Age BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Group No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

< 20 366 87 19 5 35 8 54 13 420 

20-29 785 80 55 6 138 14 193 20 978 

30-39 685 79 37 4 145 17 181 21 866 

40-49 569 85 26 4 75 11 100 15 669 

50-59 392 87 9 2 50 11 59 13 451 

> 59 404 92 9 2 27 6 37 8 441 

Unknown 325 77 15 4 83 20 98 23 423 

Total 3,526 83 169 4 553 13 722 17 4,248 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000

Table B-16 

Time of Day and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

1998 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 321 63 45 9 147 29 192 37 512 

3 AM to 6 AM 233 80 14 5 42 15 57 20 290 

6 AM to 9 AM 368 96 4 1 13 3 17 4 384 

9 AM to Noon 299 95 6 2 10 3 16 5 315 

Noon to 3 PM 351 94 5 1 16 4 22 6 372 

3 PM to 6 PM 558 91 17 3 41 7 58 9 616 

6 PM to 9 PM 1,017 85 52 4 123 10 174 15 1,191 

9 PM to Midnight 753 76 50 5 190 19 240 24 993 

Unknown 18 62 3 9 9 29 11 38 29 

Total 3,917 83 195 4 590 13 785 17 4,702 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 40

Table B-17 

Time of Day and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

1999 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 319 67 27 6 128 27 155 33 474 

3 AM to 6 AM 244 79 17 6 50 16 67 21 311 

6 AM to 9 AM 387 96 4 1 12 3 16 4 403 

9 AM to Noon 273 97 3 1 7 2 10 3 282 

Noon to 3 PM 271 94 5 2 11 4 16 6 287 

3 PM to 6 PM 498 91 20 4 30 5 50 9 548 

6 PM to 9 PM 976 87 42 4 107 9 148 13 1,124 

9 PM to Midnight 761 81 46 5 136 14 183 19 944 

Unknown 20 73 1 3 6 24 7 27 27 

Total 3,749 85 165 4 486 11 651 15 4,400 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999

Table B-18 

Time of Day and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 

2000 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 

Time of Day No. % No. % No. % No. % Total 

Midnight to 3 AM 292 61 43 9 142 30 185 39 477 

3 AM to 6 AM 203 72 23 8 57 20 79 28 282 

6 AM to 9 AM 368 96 4 1 11 3 15 4 383 

9 AM to Noon 241 97 1 0 7 3 8 3 249 

Noon to 3 PM 322 95 5 2 13 4 18 5 340 

3 PM to 6 PM 469 89 13 3 42 8 55 11 524 

6 PM to 9 PM 952 86 35 3 123 11 158 14 1,110 

9 PM to Midnight 659 77 44 5 150 18 194 23 853 

Unknown 20 67 2 5 8 27 10 33 30 

Total 3,526 83 169 4 553 13 722 17 4,248 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 41

Table B-19 

Sex and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 1998 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 2,622 83 133 4 392 12 525 17 3,147 

Female 1,035 90 36 3 83 7 119 10 1,154 

Unknown 260 65 26 7 115 29 141 35 401 

Total 3,917 83 195 4 590 13 785 17 4,702 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998

Table B-20 

Sex and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 1999 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 2,426 84 123 4 354 12 477 16 2,903 

Female 1,012 91 31 3 66 6 96 9 1,108 

Unknown 311 80 11 3 67 17 78 20 389 

Total 3,749 85 165 4 486 11 651 15 4,400 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999

Table B-21 

Sex and BAC of Driver when a Pedestrian was Killed in SV Crashes in 2000 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC ≥ 0.08 BAC ≥ 0.01 Sex 

No. % No. % No. % No. % 

Total 

Male 2,294 82 124 4 378 14 502 18 2,796 

Female 939 88 31 3 100 9 130 12 1,069 

Unknown 293 77 15 4 75 20 90 23 383 

Total 3,526 83 169 4 553 13 722 17 4,248 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 42

Table B-22 

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Pedestrian SV Crashes in 1998 

Driver Alcohol Involvement 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC≥0.08 Total 

Pedestrian 

Alcohol 

Involvement No. % No. % No. % No. % 

BAC 0.00 2,583 54 93 2 284 6 2,961 62 

BAC 0.01-0.07 189 4 11 0 33 1 233 5 

BAC≥0.08 1,184 25 90 2 272 6 1,547 33 

Total 3,956 83 195 4 590 12 4,741 100 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998

Table B-23 

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Pedestrian SV Crashes in 1999 

Driver Alcohol Involvement 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC≥0.08 Total 

Pedestrian 

Alcohol 

Involvement No. % No. % No. % No. % 

BAC 0.00 2,443 55 81 2 223 5 2,747 62 

BAC 0.01-0.07 141 3 11 0 26 1 178 4 

BAC≥0.08 1,211 27 72 2 238 5 1,521 34 

Total 3,795 85 165 4 486 11 4,446 100 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1999

Table B-24 

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Pedestrian SV Crashes in 2000 

Driver Alcohol Involvement 

BAC 0.00 BAC 0.01-0.07 BAC≥0.08 Total 

Pedestrian 

Alcohol 

Involvement No. % No. % No. % No. % 

BAC 0.00 2,323 54 80 2 276 6 2,679 63 

BAC 0.01-0.07 149 3 10 0 32 1 191 4 

BAC≥0.08 1,089 25 80 2 245 6 1,414 33 

Total 3,561 83 169 4 553 13 4,283 100 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 2000
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 43

Table B-25 

Pedestrian Fatality Rates from All Crashes by City 

TOTAL KILLED AND PEDESTRIANS KILLED IN MOTOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC 

CRASHES IN CITIES WITH A POPULATION OF 100,000 OR MORE 

PERSONS KILLED, POPULATION, AND FATALITY RATES BY CITY 

RANKED BY PEDESTRIAN FATALITY RATE 

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

1 Fort Lauderdale, FL 31 12 152,397 20.34 7.66 

2 Miami, FL 60 22 362,470 16.65 6.07 

3 Tampa, FL 58 18 303,447 19.22 6.04 

4 Newark, NJ 39 14 273,546 14.26 5.24 

5 Louisville, KY 53 13 256,231 20.68 5.20 

6 Columbia, SC 25 6 116,278 21.79 5.16 

7 Atlanta, GA 72 21 416,474 17.21 5.12 

8 Detroit, MI 158 48 951,270 16.64 5.05 

9 Clearwater, FL 14 5 108,787 12.56 4.90 

10 Orlando, FL 33 9 185,951 17.93 4.66 

11 Gary, IN 20 4 102,746 19.79 4.22 

12 Denver, CO 61 23 554,636 11.06 4.21 

13 Hollywood, FL 16 6 139,357 11.24 4.07 

14 Pueblo, CO 12 4 102,121 12.08 3.92 

15 Phoenix, AZ 187 51 1,321,045 14.18 3.89 

16 Salt Lake, UT 25 7 181,743 13.94 3.85 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 44

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

17 San Francisco, CA 52 30 776,733 6.65 3.82 

18 Beaumont, TX 21 4 113,866 18.44 3.81 

19 St. Louis, MO 45 13 348,189 12.92 3.73 

20 Waterbury, CT 17 4 107,271 16.16 3.73 

21 Hialeah, FL 30 8 226,419 13.25 3.53 

22 Reno, NV 14 6 180,480 7.57 3.51 

23 Dallas, TX 169 42 1,188,580 14.22 3.51 

24 San Bernardino, CA 23 6 185,401 12.41 3.42 

25 Dayton, OH 19 6 166,179 11.63 3.41 

26 Fayetteville, NC 13 4 121,015 10.47 3.31 

27 Corpus Christi, TX 28 9 277,454 10.21 3.12 

28 Pomona, CA 12 5 149,473 8.03 3.12 

29 St. Petersburg, FL 35 8 248,232 14.23 3.09 

30 Tucson, AZ 56 15 486,699 11.51 3.08 

31 Jackson, MS 38 6 184,256 20.80 3.08 

32 Baton Rouge, LA 33 7 227,818 14.63 3.07 

33 Jacksonville, FL 105 22 735,617 14.27 2.99 

34 Worcester, MA 11 5 172,648 6.56 2.90 

35 San Diego, CA 103 35 1,223,400 8.45 2.89 

36 Chula Vista, CA 13 5 173,556 7.30 2.88 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 45

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

37 Washington, DC 48 16 572,059 8.33 2.86 

38 Albuquerque, NM 52 13 448,607 11.67 2.82 

39 Memphis, TN 96 18 650,100 14.82 2.82 

40 Hartford, CT 14 3 121,578 11.24 2.74 

41 Houston, TX 238 53 1,953,631 12.20 2.71 

42 Winston-Salem, NC 21 5 185,776 11.12 2.69 

43 El Paso, TX 57 15 563,662 10.05 2.66 

44 Birmingham, AL 36 6 242,820 14.96 2.61 

45 Santa Clara, CA 6 3 102,361 5.54 2.61 

46 Rochester, NY 13 6 219,773 5.92 2.58 

47 San Antonio, TX 123 29 1,144,646 10.75 2.56 

48 Chicago, IL 251 74 2,896,016 8.66 2.54 

49 Los Angeles, CA 271 92 3,694,820 7.33 2.50 

50 Escondido, CA 9 3 133,559 6.49 2.50 

51 Durham, NC 18 5 187,035 9.80 2.50 

52 Baltimore, MD 31 16 651,154 4.76 2.46 

53 Rockford, IL 19 4 150,115 12.88 2.44 

54 Fort Worth, TX 67 13 534,694 12.47 2.43 

55 Oakland, CA 35 10 399,484 8.76 2.42 

56 Kansas City, MO 67 11 441,545 15.25 2.42 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 46

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

57 Charlotte, NC 60 13 540,828 11.16 2.40 

58 Portland, OR 36 13 529,121 6.87 2.39 

59 Tulsa, OK 45 9 393,049 11.36 2.37 

60 Inglewood, CA 8 3 112,580 7.40 2.37 

61 Little Rock, AR 22 4 183,133 12.20 2.37 

62 Riverside, CA 28 6 255,166 11.10 2.35 

63 Rancho Cucamonga, 

CA 7 3 127,743 5.48 2.35 

64 Fresno, CA 36 10 427,652 8.50 2.34 

65 Orange, CA 11 3 128,821 8.80 2.33 

66 

Athens-Clarke 

County (balance), 

GA 

12 2 100,266 12.30 2.33 

67 Columbus, GA 18 4 186,291 9.48 2.33 

68 San Buenaventura 

(Ventura), CA 9 2 100,916 9.25 2.31 

69 Savannah, GA 13 3 131,510 9.89 2.28 

70 Stamford, CT 6 3 117,083 5.12 2.28 

71 Erie, PA 9 2 103,717 8.36 2.25 

72 New York, NY 371 179 8,008,278 4.64 2.24 

73 Tacoma, WA 23 4 193,556 11.88 2.24 

74 Paterson, NJ 6 3 149,222 4.24 2.23 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 47

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

75 Nashville-Davidson, 

TN 91 13 569,891 15.91 2.22 

76 Garden Grove, CA 8 4 165,196 4.64 2.22 

77 New Orleans, LA 60 11 484,674 12.45 2.20 

78 Springfield, MO 17 3 151,580 11.00 2.20 

79 Philadelphia, PA 119 33 1,517,550 7.82 2.20 

80 Torrance, CA 8 3 137,946 5.56 2.17 

81 Downey, CA 5 2 107,323 4.97 2.17 

82 Montgomery, AL 21 4 201,568 10.42 2.15 

83 Chattanooga, TN 29 3 155,554 18.64 2.14 

84 Austin, TX 64 14 656,562 9.75 2.13 

85 Lafayette, LA 17 2 110,257 15.12 2.12 

86 Amarillo, TX 17 4 173,627 9.98 2.11 

87 Tempe, AZ 20 3 158,625 12.40 2.10 

88 Boston, MA 26 12 589,141 4.36 2.09 

89 Vancouver, WA 8 3 143,560 5.34 2.09 

90 Greensboro, NC 28 5 223,891 12.36 2.08 

91 Peoria, IL 9 2 112,936 8.26 2.07 

92 Independence, MO 15 2 113,288 13.53 2.06 

93 Santa Rosa, CA 8 3 147,595 5.65 2.03 

94 Las Vegas, NV 42 10 478,434 8.78 2.02 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 48

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

95 Abilene, TX 14 2 115,930 11.79 2.01 

96 Mobile, AL 19 4 198,915 9.55 2.01 

97 Pasadena, CA 8 3 133,936 5.72 1.99 

98 Glendale, AZ 20 4 218,812 8.99 1.98 

99 Cambridge, MA 3 2 101,355 2.63 1.97 

100 Honolulu CDP, HI 21 7 371,657 5.74 1.97 

101 Salem, OR 7 3 136,924 5.11 1.95 

102 Jersey City, NJ 13 5 240,055 5.55 1.94 

103 Huntington Beach, 

CA 11 4 189,594 5.63 1.93 

104 Raleigh, NC 34 5 276,093 12.31 1.93 

105 Aurora, CO 20 5 276,393 7.24 1.93 

106 Concord, CA 10 2 121,780 7.94 1.92 

107 Stockton, CA 19 5 243,771 7.66 1.91 

108 Irving, TX 15 4 191,615 7.65 1.91 

109 Brownsville, TX 10 3 139,722 6.92 1.91 

110 Hayward, CA 9 3 140,030 6.43 1.90 

111 San Jose, CA 49 17 894,943 5.44 1.90 

112 Ontario, CA 18 3 158,007 11.60 1.90 

113 Sacramento, CA 27 8 407,018 6.72 1.88 

114 Pasadena, TX 10 3 141,674 7.06 1.88 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 49

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

115 McAllen, TX 7 2 106,414 6.58 1.88 

116 Santa Ana, CA 16 6 337,977 4.64 1.87 

117 Moreno Valley, CA 6 3 142,381 3.98 1.87 

118 Flint, MI 14 2 124,943 11.47 1.87 

119 Corona, CA 11 2 124,966 8.54 1.87 

120 Richmond, VA 17 4 197,790 8.43 1.85 

121 Norfolk, VA 22 4 234,403 9.53 1.85 

122 Kansas City, KS 21 3 146,866 14.53 1.82 

123 Toledo, OH 27 6 313,619 8.61 1.81 

124 Anchorage 

municipality, AK 21 5 260,283 8.07 1.79 

125 Oklahoma City, OK 63 9 506,132 12.45 1.78 

126 Waco, TX 14 2 113,726 12.31 1.76 

127 Bakersfield, CA 18 4 247,057 7.42 1.75 

128 Springfield, MA 11 3 152,082 7.01 1.75 

129 El Monte, CA 6 2 115,965 5.17 1.72 

130 Yonkers, NY 10 3 196,086 4.93 1.70 

131 Huntsville, AL 22 3 158,216 13.69 1.69 

132 Lancaster, CA 13 2 118,718 10.95 1.68 

133 Lansing, MI 8 2 119,128 6.72 1.68 

134 Bridgeport, CT 9 2 139,529 6.45 1.67 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 50

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

135 Shreveport, LA 25 3 200,145 12.49 1.67 

136 Newport News, VA 12 3 180,150 6.85 1.67 

137 Minneapolis, MN 19 6 382,618 5.05 1.66 

138 Cape Coral, FL 9 2 102,286 9.12 1.63 

139 Lakewood, CO 12 2 144,126 8.56 1.62 

140 New Haven, CT 12 2 123,626 9.98 1.62 

141 Cincinnati, OH 21 5 331,285 6.34 1.61 

142 Daly City, CA 6 2 103,621 5.47 1.61 

143 Mesquite, TX 11 2 124,523 8.83 1.61 

144 Wichita Falls, TX 9 2 104,197 8.64 1.60 

145 Buffalo, NY 15 5 292,648 5.13 1.59 

146 Long Beach, CA 28 7 461,522 6.07 1.59 

147 Modesto, CA 12 3 188,856 6.35 1.59 

148 Lowell, MA 6 2 105,167 5.39 1.58 

149 Allentown, PA 9 2 106,632 8.44 1.56 

150 South Bend, IN 9 2 107,789 8.66 1.55 

151 Lexington-Fayette, 

KY 27 4 260,512 10.24 1.54 

152 Laredo, TX 13 3 176,576 7.17 1.51 

153 Des Moines, IA 14 3 198,682 6.88 1.51 

154 St. Paul, MN 17 4 287,151 5.92 1.51 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 51

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

155 Augusta-Richmond 

County, GA 24 3 199,775 12.18 1.50 

156 Milwaukee, WI 35 9 596,974 5.86 1.45 

157 Eugene, OR 8 2 137,893 5.56 1.45 

158 Oceanside, CA 11 2 161,029 6.62 1.45 

159 Columbus, OH 52 10 711,470 7.31 1.41 

160 Pittsburgh, PA 25 5 334,563 7.37 1.39 

161 Cleveland, OH 41 7 478,403 8.50 1.39 

162 Glendale, CA 8 3 194,973 4.27 1.37 

163 Grand Rapids, MI 9 3 197,800 4.38 1.35 

164 Knoxville, TN 32 2 173,890 18.21 1.34 

165 Burbank, CA 2 1 100,316 2.33 1.33 

166 Anaheim, CA 19 4 328,014 5.69 1.32 

167 Westminster, CO 6 1 100,940 5.61 1.32 

168 Arlington, TX 25 4 332,969 7.51 1.30 

169 Alexandria, VA 4 2 128,283 2.86 1.30 

170 Omaha, NE 23 5 390,007 5.98 1.28 

171 Sunnyvale, CA 4 2 131,760 3.04 1.26 

172 Garland, TX 16 3 215,768 7.26 1.24 

173 West Valley City, 

UT 7 1 108,896 6.43 1.22 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 52

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

174 Colorado Springs, 

CO 24 4 360,890 6.65 1.20 

175 Springfield, IL 7 1 111,454 6.28 1.20 

176 Spokane, WA 13 2 195,629 6.47 1.19 

177 Oxnard, CA 10 2 170,358 5.67 1.17 

178 Chesapeake, VA 17 2 199,184 8.37 1.17 

179 Aurora, IL 8 2 142,990 5.59 1.17 

180 Irvine, CA 10 2 143,072 6.99 1.16 

181 Wichita, KS 28 4 344,284 8.13 1.16 

182 North Las Vegas, 

NV 10 1 115,488 8.95 1.15 

183 Palmdale, CA 11 1 116,670 9.14 1.14 

184 Vallejo, CA 7 1 116,760 5.71 1.14 

185 Henderson, NV 10 2 175,381 5.70 1.14 

186 Hampton, VA 7 2 146,437 5.01 1.14 

187 Fort Wayne, IN 12 2 205,727 5.83 1.13 

188 Syracuse, NY 9 2 147,306 5.88 1.13 

189 Cedar Rapids, IA 8 1 120,758 6.35 1.10 

190 Santa Clarita, CA 7 2 151,088 4.85 1.10 

191 Indianapolis, IN 38 9 791,926 4.76 1.09 

192 Topeka, KS 7 1 122,377 5.72 1.09 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 53

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

193 Fullerton, CA 8 1 126,003 6.08 1.06 

194 Fontana, CA 6 1 128,929 4.91 1.03 

195 Seattle, WA 26 6 563,374 4.67 1.01 

196 Portsmouth, VA 7 1 100,565 7.29 0.99 

197 Scottsdale, AZ 21 2 202,705 10.20 0.99 

198 Green Bay, WI 4 1 102,313 4.24 0.98 

199 Berkeley, CA 2 1 102,743 2.27 0.97 

200 Warren, MI 12 1 138,247 8.68 0.96 

201 Provo, UT 5 1 105,166 5.07 0.95 

202 Costa Mesa, CA 8 1 108,724 7.66 0.92 

203 Salinas, CA 4 1 151,060 2.65 0.88 

204 Thousand Oaks, CA 7 1 117,005 5.70 0.85 

205 Coral Springs, FL 8 1 117,549 6.81 0.85 

206 Madison, WI 8 2 208,054 3.85 0.80 

207 Virginia Beach, VA 22 3 425,257 5.25 0.78 

208 Providence, RI 10 1 173,618 5.95 0.77 

209 Mesa, AZ 32 3 396,375 7.99 0.76 

210 Lubbock, TX 21 1 199,564 10.69 0.67 

211 Tallahassee, FL 8 1 150,624 5.31 0.66 

212 Arvada, CO 5 1 102,153 4.57 0.65 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 54

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

213 Norwalk, CA 4 1 103,298 4.19 0.65 

214 West Covina, CA 5 1 105,080 4.44 0.63 

215 Carrollton, TX 5 1 109,576 4.56 0.61 

216 Gilbert town, AZ 6 1 109,697 5.17 0.61 

217 Simi Valley, CA 9 1 111,351 7.78 0.60 

218 Lincoln, NE 12 1 225,581 5.47 0.59 

219 Fort Collins, CO 3 1 118,652 2.81 0.56 

220 Sioux Falls, SD 4 1 123,975 3.50 0.54 

221 Sterling Heights, MI 6 1 124,471 4.55 0.54 

222 Grand Prairie, TX 10 1 127,427 7.59 0.52 

223 Fremont, CA 7 1 203,413 3.61 0.49 

224 Pembroke Pines, FL 7 1 137,427 5.09 0.49 

225 Chandler, AZ 6 1 176,581 3.21 0.38 

226 Boise City, ID 4 1 185,787 1.97 0.36 

227 Livonia, MI 3 0 100,545 2.98 0.33 

228 Clarksville, TN 6 0 103,455 5.48 0.32 

229 Joliet, IL 8 0 106,221 7.22 0.31 

230 Peoria, AZ 4 0 108,364 3.69 0.31 

231 Akron, OH 17 1 217,074 7.83 0.31 

232 Plano, TX 11 1 222,030 4.80 0.30 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 55

Average Fatalities 

1998-2000 

Fatality Rate per 

100,000 Population 

Rank City, State 

Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

2000 

Population Total 

from all 

Crashes 

Pedestrians 

233 Evansville, IN 6 0 121,582 4.93 0.27 

234 Naperville, IL 2 0 128,358 1.30 0.26 

235 Overland Park, KS 6 0 149,080 4.25 0.22 

236 Bellevue, WA 3 0 109,569 3.04 0.00 

237 Manchester, NH 5 0 107,006 4.98 0.00 

238 Arlington CDP, VA 0 0 189,453 0.00 0.00 

239 Paradise CDP, NV 0 0 186,070 0.00 0.00 

240 Sunrise Manor CDP, 

NV 0 0 156,120 0.00 0.00 

241 Metairie CDP, LA 0 0 146,136 0.00 0.00 

242 East Los Angeles 

CDP, CA 0 0 124,283 0.00 0.00 

243 Elizabeth, NJ 0 0 120,568 0.00 0.00 

244 Spring Valley CDP, 

NV 0 0 117,390 0.00 0.00 

245 Ann Arbor, MI 0 0 114,024 0.00 0.00 

Source: NCSA, NHTSA, FARS 1998-2000, US Census Bureau 
National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20590 56

8. REFERENCES 

1. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“Traffic Safety Facts 2001: Pedestrians (DOT HS 809 478)”. 

2. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“A Method of Estimating Posterior BAC Distributions for Persons Involved in 

Fatal Traffic Accidents (DOT HS 807 094)”. 

3. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“Transitioning to Multiple Imputation - A New Method to Impute Missing Blood 

Alcohol Concentration (BAC) values in FARS (DOT HS 807 403)”. 

4. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

“Traffic Safety Facts 2001 (DOT HS 809 484)”. 
DOT HS 809 456 

April 2003