Pedestrian deaths in Great Britain have dropped by a massive 39% Overover the past two decades – but there’s still a dangerous gap as foot traffic surges. From 2004 to 2024, pedestrian fatalities plummeted from 671 to 409, serious injuries fell by 42%, while the distance people walk leapt by 21%. Yet, every Weekweek between 2020 and 2024, seven pedestrians are still killed and over 100 seriously hurt on UK roads.
Main Takeaways: Pedestrian Danger Zones
- 61% of pedestrian deaths happen away from junctions, underlining risks on open roads.
- Nearly 60% of fatal crashes involve a single car hitting a pedestrian.
- Rural roads are deadlier for walkers, with 29% of deaths occurring outside urban areas.
- Men make up 57% of killed or seriously injured pedestrians, especially younger age groups.
- The biggest cause? Pedestrians failing to spot danger and drivers also not Keepingkeeping watch.
Pedestrian Traffic Surges While Casualties Fall
The distance Brits walk has risen steadily since 2004, yet pedestrian deaths and injuries have dropped. In 2024, there were 409 deaths, 5,823 serious injuries, and nearly 13,000 slight injuries reported (all figures adjusted for reporting changes). Between 2023 and 2024, deaths ticked up 1%, while walking distance climbed 2%. Still, casualty rates per billion miles walked halved since 2004, signalling safer roads overall.
Who’s At Risk? Men, Kids, and Rural Walkers
- Males are 1.3 times Moremore likely to be pedestrian casualties than females.
- Boys under 12 face nearly double the risk compared to girls.
- Over 70s bucks the trend, with Moremore female casualties in this age group.
- Rural roads carry higher fatality rates despite lower traffic volumes.
Car Chaos: Which Vehicles Are the Biggest Threat?
Cars are involved in the majority of pedestrian fatalities, especially single-vehicle collisions. Heavy goods vehicles have the deadliest track record, with 16.4% of collisions resulting in death. Bus, coach, and light Vanvan collisions also carry higher fatality rates than pedal cycles or motorcycles. Multi-vehicle pile-ups are deadly too, responsible for 10.7% of pedestrian deaths.
When and Where Do Pedestrian Crashes Happen?
- Peak danger time on weekdays is 3pm-6pm, with a smaller peak at 8am.
- Weekend crashes peak later in the evening.
- Urban roads see two-thirds of pedestrian deaths; 5% happen on motorways.
- Over 60% of pedestrian fatalities occur away from junctions.
Blame Game: Human Error Tops the List
Police reports Pointpoint to ‘ineffective observation’ by pedestrians in 67% of fatal or serious crashes, with careless or hurried behaviour and alcohol also featuring heavily. Drivers share the blame, with 50% of crashes involving poor observation, 24% reckless or aggressive driving, and speeding a factor in 10% of serious collisions.
Stay Safe, Stay Sharp
Despite progress, pedestrian safety remains a pressing issue, especially on rural roads and outside junctions. With more people walking than ever, spotting danger and driving with care are critical to cutting these numbers further.
