Taking a walk around your neighborhood shouldn’t be dangerous, but for older Americans, crossing a busy street can carry serious risks. A new national report reveals that some states have significantly higher pedestrian death rates than others, raising concerns about road design, traffic speeds, and pedestrian safety.
According to Smart Growth America’s 2026 Dangerous by Design report, pedestrian fatalities remain a major concern across the United States, particularly in states where roads prioritize fast-moving vehicles over people walking.