Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bicycle Safety

U.S. Traffic Fatalities Rising Fast — Especially Pedestrian and Cyclist Deaths

Traffic fatalities in America hit a seven-year high in 2015, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for a disproportionate share of the alarming increase, according to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Last year, 35,200 people were killed in traffic -- a 7.7 percent increase over 2014 and the worst death toll since 2008. The number of people killed while walking or biking is rising even faster.

Traffic deaths increased 7.7 percent last year and pedestrians and cyclists saw the biggest increase. Graph: NHTSA
Last year pedestrian and cyclist deaths increased more than overall traffic deaths. Graph: NHTSA
false

Pedestrian deaths shot up 10 percent last year and bicyclist deaths 13 percent -- more than other types of victims, according to NHTSA. The agency did not break down these categories by number.

Driving increased in 2015 too, but by 3.5 percent -- not enough to explain the rising death toll.

People walking or biking have accounted for a growing share of total traffic deaths since 2007, and there is little agreement about the underlying causes. In addition to the usual rush to blame victims by invoking "distracted walking," theories include increases in biking and walking overall, driver distraction, and low gas prices promoting more "marginal" drivers like teenagers, who are more crash prone. (The NHTSA report says crashes involving young drivers -- ages 15 to 20 -- increased 10 percent in 2015.)

One thing is clear, however: The United States is falling further behind other nations that have sustained impressive reductions in traffic fatalities. While countries like the UK, Japan, and Germany achieve rapid improvements in street safety, America has failed to keep people safe on the streets.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, for his part, rejected the idea that traffic deaths are to be expected or tolerated. “Every American should be able to drive, ride or walk to their destination safely, every time,” he said.

But the NHTSA's statement on the findings illustrates the agency's institutional limitations when it comes to addressing street safety. In response to the increase in traffic deaths, the NHTSA says it will promote some car technology solutions like automatic breaking. But the agency doesn't mention systemic threats to people walking and biking, like streets designed for excessive motorist speeds.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Thursday’s Headlines: The Chips Fall Edition

So much corruption, so little time. Plus other news.

August 21, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Measuring Emissions Reduction for Bike Commutes

We talk to Mark Kabbash about his new system for measuring and verifying bike commuting to obtain carbon avoidance credits.

August 21, 2025

Advocates Beg DOT Sec. Duffy to Give Up Space and Fix Transit On Earth

Transportation Secretary/acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy wants to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. But a lot of Americans just want the bus to come on time.

August 21, 2025

This Company Wants to Help More Americans Buy Used E-Bikes

Trade wars in Washington are having a chilling effect on the U.S. bike market. Could selling more used cycles fill the gap?

August 21, 2025

OPINION: NYC Has Noise Cameras To Catch Loud Cars. Why Aren’t We Funding It?

The Adams administration is supposed to install 25 of them by the end of September. What's going on?

August 20, 2025

No, Washington Post, Driver’s Ed Isn’t The ‘Main Cause’ of Our Road Violence Crisis

The paper's recent article blamed bad driver's ed for America's dismal roadway safety stats — but that's just wrong.

August 20, 2025
See all posts