Right of Way

America's roads are becoming increasingly dangerous for people on foot, a crisis that has been largely ignored. While many other wealthy nations have seen a decrease in pedestrian fatalities, the U.S. has experienced a shocking 50% increase over the last decade. We discuss with author Angie Schmitt how this "silent epidemic" is not a series of unfortunate accidents, but a direct result of decades of policy, infrastructure, and cultural decisions.

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In Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths, Schmitt points out that one of the most insidious factors is the way we talk about pedestrian safety. The very concept of "jaywalking" was a term popularized by the automotive industry to shift responsibility for collisions from the driver and the vehicle to the person walking. By portraying pedestrians as reckless and a nuisance, the industry successfully shaped public perception and policy, making it easier to build car-centric infrastructure without accountability.

The growing popularity of large vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks is also a major contributor to this crisis. These vehicles are not only more likely to be involved in a fatal collision due to their weight and speed, but their design often includes large blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. This trend toward larger, more aggressive vehicles has directly impacted the severity of crashes and the rising death toll.

The epidemic of pedestrian deaths disproportionately affects people of color and low-income communities. These neighborhoods often lack basic safety infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and adequate lighting. Public policy has historically favored building roads for fast-moving cars over creating safe spaces for walking and biking, leading to a dangerous imbalance that puts vulnerable communities at higher risk.

The solutions are not a mystery. Cities in other countries and a few forward-thinking American cities have proven that measures like redesigned intersections, speed-limiting devices, and more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure can save lives. The challenge now is to overcome political and industrial resistance and prioritize the safety of all road users.