Delaware recorded 36 fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024 — up from 28 the year before
Walking down a sidewalk in Delaware should feel as safe as strolling through a quiet park. But too often, that confidence is a fragile illusion. Pedestrian accidents are real dangers, and every October (Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month), we have a chance to pause, look both ways, and ask: how can our streets better protect those on foot and prevent pedestrian accidents?
How common are pedestrian accidents?
Across the country, pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users. In 2023, for example, pedestrian deaths declined by about 5.4%, which marked the first drop since the pandemic began. But that small improvement shouldn’t lull us into complacency. The facts still sting:
- Many fatal pedestrian crashes happen away from intersections, often mid-block.
- A large share occurs in low-visibility times (dusk, night, and dawn).
- Alcohol (from drivers or pedestrians) often plays a role in severe or fatal crashes.
Sadly, pedestrian fatalities make up a disproportionate share of traffic deaths, considering the percentage of overall crashes they represent. Since walking is something we all do at some point, these numbers affect us all.
How does Delaware compare to the rest of the nation?
Delaware’s story shows both risk and resolve. In 2024, Delaware recorded 36 fatal pedestrian crashes, up from 28 in 2023. That’s a concerning rise in just one year. The state’s Office of Highway Safety also reports that, through October 8, 2024, pedestrians accounted for 22 of Delaware’s traffic fatalities. That disparity tells us just how deadly pedestrian accidents can be.
Why do pedestrian accidents happen?
Pedestrian accidents rarely have a single cause. They often stem from a mix of human behavior, poor road design, and environmental factors that make walking more dangerous than it should be. Understanding why these crashes happen is key to preventing them and improving safety for everyone who walks.
Common causes include:
- Driver distraction: Using phones, GPS devices, or in-car screens can prevent drivers from noticing people crossing the street.
- Speeding: The faster a vehicle travels, the harder it is to stop and the greater the force of impact.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use reduce reaction times and judgment, which only increases the risk of severe collisions.
- Unsafe infrastructure: Missing sidewalks, cracked pavement, and incomplete walking routes push pedestrians into traffic.
- Poor crossing design: A lack of crosswalks, pedestrian signals, or refuge islands makes intersections and busy roads especially dangerous.
- Low visibility: Dim lighting, bad weather, or obstructed sightlines can hide pedestrians from drivers until it’s too late.
- Road layout: Wide, high-speed roads often separate neighborhoods, making safe crossings difficult.
When and where is the risk the highest for pedestrian crashes?
Pedestrian accidents don’t occur evenly over time or place; they cluster where visibility, design, and driver behavior intersect. The risk rises sharply after dark, when poor lighting or glare can make it harder for drivers to see people walking. Busy arterial roads and midblock areas without safe crossing points often force pedestrians to take risks to get across. Commercial corridors with high traffic and constant turning movements also heighten the danger. When rain, fog, or wet pavement further limit visibility and stopping distance, a routine walk can become deadly.
Certain populations face even greater risks. Older adults, children, and people with mobility or visual impairments are more vulnerable to serious injury. In many underserved neighborhoods, infrastructure is incomplete: sidewalks are missing, crosswalks are unmarked, and lighting is inadequate. This leaves residents exposed to daily hazards. These inequities make pedestrian safety as much a matter of fairness as of traffic design.
What can be done to make walking safer for pedestrians?
There’s no single fix for pedestrian safety, but when engineering, education, enforcement, and policy work together, they can transform unsafe roads into walkable, welcoming spaces. Infrastructure plays an important role in pedestrian safety. This can be accomplished through continuous sidewalks, marked crosswalks, refuge islands, and pedestrian signals, all of which make walking safer. Traffic-calming tools like curb extensions, narrower lanes, and reduced speed limits help drivers slow down and stay alert. Good lighting, clear sightlines, and ADA-accessible designs ensure everyone can travel safely.
Additionally, education and enforcement reinforce those design changes. Public awareness campaigns can remind drivers to watch for pedestrians, while school and community programs teach safe walking habits. Meanwhile, consistent enforcement of speed limits, impaired driving laws, and right-of-way violations keeps everyone accountable. Finally, strong policy frameworks, such as Vision Zero, and coordinated planning across agencies ensure that safety investments reach the communities that need them most. By using data to track progress and adjusting strategies over time, Delaware and its local partners can make measurable strides toward safer streets for all.
Hit by a car and injured? Let our Delaware pedestrian accident lawyers protect your rights
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The legal team at Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A., is here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the recovery process. Our Delaware pedestrian accident lawyers understand how devastating these crashes can be, physically, emotionally, and financially. We take the time to listen to your story, explain your options clearly, and build a strong case designed to get you the compensation you deserve.
When you work with us, you get more than legal representation; you get a team dedicated to standing up for you. We handle all communication with insurance companies, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You pay nothing up front because we work on a contingency fee basis, and your initial consultation is free.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and pursuing the justice you deserve. Schedule your free consultation with our legal team today. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and outline your next steps. You focus on recovery.