US pedestrian fatalities show high nighttime and alcohol-related risks

A study by the Simmrin Law Group indicates that nighttime conditions significantly contribute to pedestrian fatalities in the United States. Data from 2024 shows that 76% of pedestrian deaths occurred at night.

Alcohol consumption is a major factor in these incidents, with detectable alcohol levels present in the systems of either the driver or the pedestrian in 43% of fatal accidents. Geographically, New Mexico reported the highest nighttime pedestrian mortality rate in the country at 1.74 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Mississippi and Louisiana.

Infrastructure also plays a critical role in safety. According to the GHSA, 62.2% of pedestrian deaths occurred in areas lacking sidewalks, highlighting safety risks in urban environments where individuals move between leisure venues, parking lots, and public transport after dark.