A new analysis released by Woodard Injury Law examining National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FARS) data reveals stark differences in pedestrian fatal crash rates across major U.S. cities, identifying which metros are most lethal for people on foot and highlighting how urban design and pedestrian exposure contribute to escalating risk.

Pedestrian fatalities represent roughly 18 percent of all fatal traffic crashes in the United States, and the number of these deaths has climbed sharply over the past decade. By calculating fatal crash rates per 100,000 residents for cities with populations of at least 125,000, the study spotlights where walking is most hazardous relative to population size.

Key Insights

• Fort Lauderdale, FL had the highest pedestrian fatal crash rate in the nation at 7.61 per 100,000 residents, surpassing all other U.S. cities analyzed.

• Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN follow closely with rates of 7.11 and 6.96 per 100,000 residents respectively, underscoring a broader regional pattern.

• A striking 23 of the top 25 cities with the most dangerous pedestrian environments are located in the Sun Belt, suggesting climate or regional development trends may influence risk.

• In contrast, Frisco, TX reported the lowest pedestrian fatal crash rate in the study at 0.17 per 100,000 residents, with other low-rate cities concentrated in suburban, lower-density markets.

• Suburban Texas cities including Plano and McKinney also rank among the safest for pedestrians, contrasting with nearby high-fatality metro totals.

The analysis draws on 10 years of FARS data combined with 2023 U.S. Census population estimates to rank cities by fatal crash rate. Cities with higher year-round pedestrian activity, heavier traffic density, and infrastructure that favors vehicle speed over pedestrian protection exhibited elevated risk levels.

“Pedestrian fatalities are not evenly distributed across U.S. cities, and this data underscores the urgency of rethinking urban street design,” said a senior traffic safety analyst. “Communities with dense pedestrian populations and limited protective infrastructure are experiencing disproportionately high fatal crash rates, which has implications for public health and urban mobility planning.”

Why This Matters

Understanding where pedestrians face the greatest risk is critical for policymakers, city planners, and public safety advocates focused on reducing preventable traffic deaths. With pedestrian fatalities accounting for nearly one-fifth of all traffic deaths nationally and climbing over recent years according to broader federal statistics, targeted interventions in high-risk cities could have significant lifesaving impact.

Methodology

The rankings were derived by analyzing FARS data on fatal crashes involving pedestrians over a 10-year period and calculating annualized fatal crash rates per 100,000 residents using the latest Census population estimates for cities with populations above 125,000. Full methodology and city rankings are featured in the original analysis at Woodard Injury Law’s website here: https://woodardinjurylaw.com/2026/01/which-u-s-cities-experience-the-highest-pedestrian-fatal-crash-rates/

About Woodard Injury Law

Woodard Injury Law is a dedicated personal injury law firm serving Tennessee and parts of Kentucky, with offices in Nashville, Madison, Chattanooga, and beyond. Since 2005, the firm has helped more than 10,000 people injured in vehicle collisions and other accidents pursue justice and fair compensation for their losses. Known for personalized service and direct communication with clients, Woodard Injury Law handles a wide range of injury claims, including car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and wrongful death cases.

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