U.S. pedestrian deaths fell for a second straight year last year but were still up substantially from the last decade.

The Governors Highway Safety Association data shows fatalities fell 4% to more than 7,100, which is still enough people to fill 31 Boeing 737s, it said in a grim analogy that illuminates the still tragically high toll.

Despite two years of decreases, pedestrian deaths were up 19% from 2016 and hit a 40-year high in 2022, said the group, which plans a July 31 webinar on steps State Highway Safety Offices are taking to stem such fatalities.

“The second straight year of fewer pedestrian deaths is a step in the right direction, but much more must be done to protect people walking,” said GHSA CEO Jonathan Adkins. “Now is the time to double down on what works – more and better infrastructure, enforcement to deter dangerous driving behaviors, engaged and informed communities, and vehicles designed to protect people on foot.”

The group also examined a 2023 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report that shows pedestrian deaths are growing significantly faster than overall traffic fatalities, spiking 80% from 2009 to 2023 as overall traffic deaths increased just 13%.

Pedestrians killed by light trucks, a category that includes SUVs and vans, made up 54% of all 2023 pedestrian fatalities involving a known vehicle type – a quarter of pedestrian deaths are hit-and-run crashes – compared to 37% hit by passenger cars.

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