U.S. Drivers Killed Over 7,100 Pedestrians in 2024 | Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A.

An urban intersection with a wide crosswalk shows multiple updated vehicles, including a dark gray SUV positioned near the crosswalk. The scene is clear of people, with trees, buildings, and power lines in the background under a cloudy sky.

Why Pedestrian Safety Concerns Are Growing in New Hampshire

Pedestrian safety in the U.S. is at a critical point. In 2024 alone, drivers struck and killed 7,148 pedestrians nationwide, according to the latest report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). While the overall number of pedestrian deaths declined slightly compared to the previous year, fatalities remain nearly 20% higher than in 2016 and well above historical averages.

For families in New Hampshire, these numbers highlight a sobering reality: even though our state has fewer pedestrian crashes compared to larger states, the risk of serious injury or death when walking near traffic is real — and growing. At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A., our New Hampshire pedestrian accident lawyers fight for injured pedestrians and their families when reckless drivers cause devastating harm. Here's what you should know.

Pedestrian Fatalities Remain Alarmingly High

The GHSA’s data shows both progress and persistent danger:

7,148 pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2024 — a 4.3% decline from 2023.
Pedestrian deaths are still nearly 20% higher than in 2016.
Fatalities reached a 40-year high in 2022, and we remain far above safe levels today.

The decline over the past two years is encouraging, but the report reveals troubling trends that continue to put pedestrians at risk, especially in hit-and-run crashes, at night, and in areas lacking proper infrastructure.

Hit-and-Run Crashes Are a Growing Crisis

One of the most disturbing findings is that one in four pedestrian deaths involves a hit-and-run driver. Over the past five years, 25% of fatal pedestrian crashes were hit-and-runs, and in 94% of those cases, the vehicle that struck the pedestrian fled the scene.

For families, the devastation is compounded by unanswered questions. Without immediate identification of the driver, recovering compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other damages becomes more complex. That’s where an experienced New Hampshire pedestrian accident lawyer can make a difference by:

Working with investigators to locate the driver
Leveraging traffic camera footage, witness statements, and other available evidence
Pursuing uninsured motorist coverage when the driver isn’t found

When someone flees after causing life-threatening injuries, they need to be held accountable. Our attorneys know how to pursue every available avenue to secure justice for victims and their families.

SUVs and Pickups Pose Higher Risks

The GHSA report also highlights a shift in vehicle trends contributing to the danger. SUVs and pickups now account for 54% of pedestrian fatalities, compared to just 37% for passenger cars.

Because of their higher front ends and greater mass, SUVs and pickups are more likely to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries when striking pedestrians. Unfortunately, these vehicles are becoming increasingly common in New Hampshire, making urban areas, rural intersections, and even residential neighborhoods more dangerous for those on foot.

Most Fatal Pedestrian Crashes Happen at Night

Another striking finding: more than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark. Between 2010 and 2023, nighttime pedestrian deaths nearly doubled, jumping from 3,030 to 5,578 fatalities.

New Hampshire’s smaller towns and rural areas often lack adequate lighting and crosswalks, making nighttime walking especially risky. Drivers must exercise extra caution, but when they fail to do so, victims often pay the price. If you or a loved one has been injured in a nighttime crash, our legal team can investigate whether poor visibility, driver negligence, or unsafe road design contributed to the incident.

Sidewalk Access Matters, But Many Roads Don’t Have Them

The GHSA found that nearly two-thirds of pedestrian deaths occur in places without sidewalks. In New Hampshire, especially in older neighborhoods or rural areas, sidewalks are missing or poorly maintained in many locations.

Without a physical barrier separating pedestrians from vehicles, the chances of severe injury increase dramatically. When local governments fail to maintain safe infrastructure, questions of liability may arise, and our attorneys know how to pursue claims that hold all responsible parties accountable.

What This Means for New Hampshire Families

While pedestrian deaths are lower in New Hampshire compared to heavily populated states, local crashes are no less devastating. Busy roads in Dover, Portsmouth, Rochester, and Concord present unique hazards, particularly near intersections and high-speed corridors where crosswalks are sparse.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment.
Lost Income: Recovery of wages lost due to your injuries or your loved one’s death.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma.
Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs and loss of financial and emotional support for families.

Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for the rights of New Hampshire’s injured. We know how to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

Pedestrian accident cases are rarely straightforward. Multiple factors — including driver negligence, road design, vehicle type, and insurance coverage — can all affect your claim. At Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin P.A., we:

Conduct thorough investigations to uncover critical evidence
Work with accident reconstruction specialists when needed
Pursue all available insurance coverage, including underinsured/uninsured policies
Negotiate aggressively with insurers and take cases to trial when necessary

For over 150 years, our firm has fought for justice throughout New Hampshire. When a negligent driver changes your life forever, you shouldn’t face the aftermath alone.

Talk to a New Hampshire Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian crashes are preventable, yet thousands of families nationwide continue to suffer life-changing losses. If you or someone you love has been injured — or if you’ve lost a loved one — because of a negligent driver, we can help you fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how our attorneys can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

"I would like to take a moment to say that Matthew Cox and his firm handled my daughter's case for an accident she was in. The whole firm took extra special interest in her case and went above and beyond to ensure she got the most out of her settlement. They also showed a general concern for her well-being and sometimes just talked on a personal note as a caring friend. I would recommend this firm to anyone looking for a good attorney who actually cares!! 5-star service!!" - Reggie G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐