Pedestrian safety in the United States continues to deteriorate, with multiple recent incidents underscoring how vulnerable people on foot are—even in ordinary environments like local highways, suburban streets, and residential corridors. While each case differs in circumstance, the underlying themes are the same: limited visibility, high-speed roadways, impaired driver awareness, aging populations, and infrastructure not designed for people traveling outside a vehicle.

Below is a closer look at several recent pedestrian-accident reports from across the country and what they reveal about the persistent gaps in roadway safety.

Delaware: Fatal Highway Collision in Seaford

In Seaford, Delaware, a 66-year-old man was struck and killed while crossing a major roadway at night. According to state police investigators, the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and was standing in the roadway median prior to impact. The crash happened quickly, with the driver unable to stop in time.

This case highlights the dangerous combination of limited nighttime visibility and pedestrian exposure on high-speed corridors—conditions that contribute to hundreds of deaths annually.

Maryland: 70-Year-Old Pedestrian Struck on Leonardtown Road

Just days later in Waldorf, Maryland, a 70-year-old man was hit by a vehicle while walking along Leonardtown Road. Emergency responders had him flown to a trauma center due to the severity of his injuries.

Aging pedestrians face heightened risks: slower walking speeds, reduced reaction times, and often, roadway systems that do not prioritize safe crossing options for older adults.

North Carolina: Woman Killed Crossing U.S. Highway 17

In Bridgeton, North Carolina, a 67-year-old woman died after being struck while crossing U.S. Highway 17. The pickup driver remained at the scene, and investigators noted that the area was dimly lit.

This parallels a nationwide trend—pedestrian fatalities spike on wide, high-speed arterial roads, particularly at night or in areas without controlled crosswalks.

Utah: West Jordan Pedestrian Killed Outside a Crosswalk

In West Jordan, Utah, police reported that a pedestrian in their 50s was hit and killed early in the morning while crossing outside of a designated crosswalk. Although drivers remain responsible for exercising caution, pedestrians on multilane roads face severe risk when crossing at uncontrolled points.

More than 70% of fatal pedestrian crashes in the U.S. occur outside crosswalks, often because the nearest marked crossing is impractically far away.

New York City: 85-Year-Old Killed by Van

In New York City, an 85-year-old man was struck and killed by a van in a busy urban corridor. Even in cities built for pedestrians, heavy traffic, congestion, and driver inattention continue to play a role in serious outcomes.

Large metropolitan areas report disproportionately higher pedestrian fatalities due to dense intersections and the constant interaction between vehicles and foot traffic.

San Francisco: Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Russian Hill

San Francisco officials reported another fatality in the Russian Hill neighborhood when a driver hit a pedestrian on a city street. Despite Vision Zero initiatives, communities nationwide are seeing limited progress in reducing severe pedestrian injuries.

Urban design flaws—wide lanes, fast traffic, and insufficient pedestrian refuge islands—continue to contribute to preventable deaths.

Connecticut: Pedestrians Injured in Bridgeport and Plainfield

Two separate Connecticut incidents involved pedestrians being struck by vehicles within a short span of time:

• An 80-year-old man suffered critical injuries after being hit on Clinton Avenue.

• Another individual was injured in Plainfield when the mirror of a passing vehicle struck them near a busy route.

Minor road design oversights—such as narrow shoulders, lack of lighting, or missing sidewalks—can turn routine walking routes into dangerous environments.

Why These Incidents Matter for Public Safety

Collectively, these cases demonstrate that pedestrian accidents are not isolated anomalies—they are a systemic, nationwide issue. According to federal transportation reports, pedestrian fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, driven by factors such as:

• Increased vehicle size (SUVs pose higher fatality risks)

• Distracted driving

• Poor roadway lighting

• Lack of protected crossings

• High-speed traffic corridors near residential zones

Whether in rural towns, suburban arteries, or dense city centers, pedestrians remain at a disproportionate risk of severe injury or death.

The Pacific Northwest Faces the Same Growing Safety Crisis

Although the incidents above occurred across the U.S., the Pacific Northwest (PNW) experiences pedestrian accidents at an alarming rate as well. Oregon and Washington have both documented steady year-over-year increases in fatal and severe pedestrian collisions—largely due to the same hazards seen nationwide: dim roadway conditions, increased vehicle traffic, and infrastructure that wasn’t built with pedestrian safety in mind.

Because these accidents remain so frequent in the PNW, residents who suffer injuries—whether while walking, commuting, or simply navigating local streets—often turn to experienced legal support. If you or someone you know has been injured in such an accident, speaking with a  Portland, Oregon pedestrian accidents lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you fully understand your options moving forward.