Nightfall Fatalities: U.S. States With the Deadliest Roads for Pedestrians After Dark

• New Mexico leads with the highest nighttime pedestrian fatality rate, averaging 3.66 deaths per 100,000 residents from 2019 to 2023.
• South Carolina and Florida follow, with rates of 2.98 and 2.82 deaths per 100,000 residents, respectively, over the same five-year period.
• Iowa averaged 0.46 night-time pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents from 2019 to 2023 - the lowest rate in the country.

A new study reveals New Mexico has the highest nighttime pedestrian fatality rate in the United States.

A study by criminal defense and personal injury lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices analyzed night-time pedestrian fatality data from 2019 to 2023, sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). By calculating the average number of night-time pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents in each state, the research identified where pedestrians face the most significant risk after dark.

New Mexico ranks first, with 3.66 average nighttime pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents — more than 2.5 times higher than the national average of 1.43. The Land of Enchantment recorded an average of 77.2 nighttime pedestrian fatalities between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2023 with 93 fatalities, while the lowest was in 2020 with 63.

South Carolina holds the second position, recording an average of 2.98 night-time pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents, over twice the national average of 1.43. The Palmetto State saw an average of 155.6 nighttime pedestrian deaths from 2019 to 2023. Fatalities peaked in 2021 with 171 incidents, while the lowest count was in 2019 with 150.

Florida takes third place, reporting an average of 2.82 night-time pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents — nearly twice the national benchmark of 1.43. The Sunshine State recorded an average of 618.6 such fatalities over the five years from 2019 to 2023. The deadliest year was 2021, with 658 deaths, while 2020 saw the fewest, totaling 576.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Suzuki Law Offices commented: "The data shows that states like New Mexico, South Carolina, and Florida are facing alarming levels of night-time pedestrian fatalities.”

“Night-time pedestrian deaths are often sudden, devastating tragedies that leave families in shock and communities grappling with grief and loss. These incidents can lead to lasting emotional trauma, mounting medical expenses, and years of financial hardship for loved ones left behind.”

“To address this growing concern, there needs to be a push for better street lighting, more visible pedestrian crossings, stricter DUI enforcement, and public education campaigns focused on nighttime safety. Without decisive action, more preventable deaths will continue to haunt our roads.”

Claiming the fourth position, Arizona sees an average of 2.75 nighttime pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents, placing it well above the national rate of 1.43. The Grand Canyon State averaged 201.2 deaths between 2019 and 2023. Of the five years, 2022 marked the highest toll with 248 deaths, while 2020 saw the lowest count at 169.

Louisiana takes the 5th position with an average of 2.70 night-time pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents — nearly twice the national average of 1.43. The Pelican State recorded an average of 124.6 night-time pedestrian deaths annually between 2019 and 2023. Both 2021 and 2022 marked the deadliest years with 148 fatalities each, while 2019 saw the lowest count at 86 deaths.

Mississippi (6th) reported 2.41 average nighttime pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents. California (7th) followed with 2.27 deaths per 100,000 residents, while Delaware (8th) and Georgia (9th) both recorded 2.25 per 100,000 residents. Texas (10th) rounded out the list with 2.11 average nighttime pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents.

Table of Extended Results:

The study was conducted by Suzuki Law Offices, an experienced criminal defense and injury law firm dedicated to defending individuals charged with crimes and aggressively litigating on behalf of injured victims.

Methodology

This analysis examined fatal nighttime pedestrian fatality data from 2019 to 2023, sourced from the Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). By calculating the average number of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents in each state, the study identified regions with the highest risks for night-time pedestrian fatalities.

Data Source: https://cdan.dot.gov/query

Study By: www.suzukilawoffices.com