Study shows 20 percent of fatal Mass. crashes involve pedestrians

One in every five fatal motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts last year involved a car striking a pedestrian, according to an annual report that tracks statewide car versus pedestrian deaths.

WalkMassachusetts released its third annual Fatal Pedestrian Crashes report, which found that 40 communities experienced at least one fatal pedestrian crash throughout 2023. Eight of those towns saw multiple pedestrian-involved car crashes. 

“We are heartbroken each year learning the stories of people walking who lose their lives in these senseless, and largely preventable, crashes,” said Brendan Kearney, co-executive director of WalkMassachusetts.

According to the report, a total of 69 Massachusetts pedestrians were killed by people driving cars in 2023, a slight dip from the all-time high of 101 deaths the prior year. Kearney said speed is the biggest factor behind the crashes. 

About 77 percent of the 2023 crashes happened on streets controlled by a city or town; about 19 percent occurred on MassDOT roads. 

The report also found that people over the age of 65 are the most likely to be harmed, making up about 32 percent of pedestrian victims. 

“People of all ages deserve to be safe as we move within and between our communities,” said Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) Executive Director James Fuccione. “For older adults to be active, engaged and included in community life means having infrastructure that prioritizes safety and connection to things we all find meaningful.”

Additional highlights from the report:

• Boston, Springfield, and Brockton have had at least three fatal pedestrian crashes in the past three years.
• Almost 70 percent of the deadly crashes happened after dark.
• Nearly 71 percent of the vehicles were passenger cars; 21.5 percent were trucks, vans, minivans, or SUVs.
• Seven crashes were hit-and-runs, resulting in eight deaths, where the driver left the scene of the crash.

To combat pedestrian deaths, WalkMassachusetts is introducing a video series to educate people on creating safer streets in their communities. The group also offers a Walk Academy training program, where staff works directly with community members to foster a safer driving environment. 

The organization’s efforts align with a push from MassDOT to enhance state-owned bus stop crossings where pedestrians are at high risk. Boston is also taking action to reduce pedestrian injury with the roll-out of Safety Surge, which aims to build more speed humps, design safer intersections, and improve crossing signals.

“Our roads are designed for people to drive too fast. We witness residents across the Commonwealth wanting to advocate for changes in the streets in their own community — and we stand ready to help,” Kearney said.