In recent years, pedestrian accidents have surged across the country, including in Oklahoma. Thankfully, that trend began to shift last year, with Oklahoma seeing one of the largest declines in pedestrian fatalities in 2023, as reported by the Oklahoma City Free Press.
Despite this progress, Oklahoma City officials stress the need to continue prioritizing pedestrian safety. Their goal remains clear: reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities to zero and make the city’s streets safer for everyone.
“There are still accidents where pedestrians are being hit in downtown areas,” Justin Henry, Program Planner for Oklahoma City’s Transportation Department, said in an interview with the Oklahoma City Free Press.
In 2023, Oklahoma saw a major drop in pedestrian deaths
In 2023, pedestrian fatalities saw a significant decline nationwide, with Oklahoma leading the way. The state experienced a 25% decrease in pedestrian deaths compared to the previous year, according to a study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), as reported by the Oklahoma City Free Press.
Oklahoma’s reduction was the sixth largest of any state, far outpacing the 5.4% nationwide decrease in pedestrian fatalities.
What’s causing the decline in Oklahoma pedestrian accidents?
Traffic safety officials credit several factors for this positive shift. Here are some of the key reasons why pedestrian deaths decreased statewide, especially in Oklahoma City:
- Unusually high pedestrian fatalities in 2022: The previous year had seen an alarming spike in pedestrian deaths, making 2023’s decline more noticeable. This drop reflects efforts to reverse the troubling trend and create safer streets for pedestrians.
- New sidewalk construction: The development of more sidewalks across Oklahoma has provided pedestrians with safer, dedicated walking spaces. By separating foot traffic from vehicles, these improvements reduce the likelihood of accidents and give people a safer way to navigate busy streets.
- Lower speed limits: In response to rising pedestrian accidents, many Oklahoma streets have reduced speed limits. Slower speeds give drivers more time to react to pedestrians, which helps prevent serious collisions and decreases the severity of injuries when accidents do occur.
- Increased driver awareness: Public safety campaigns and community efforts have made drivers more conscious of pedestrians. This heightened awareness has led to better yielding behaviors at crosswalks and safer driving around pedestrian-heavy areas, contributing to fewer accidents.
With these combined efforts, Oklahoma is making strides in protecting pedestrians and reducing the number of accidents on its roads. However, there’s still more work to be done to ensure safety for everyone.
Record-high pedestrian deaths in 2022 highlight the ongoing safety crisis
While the recent decrease in pedestrian fatalities in Oklahoma is encouraging, officials are quick to remind us that pedestrian deaths remain alarmingly high compared to a decade ago, both statewide and nationally.
In 2022, the U.S. saw a staggering 7,522 pedestrian fatalities—the highest number since 1981, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Oklahoma has also experienced a sharp rise in pedestrian deaths over the last ten years. In 2013, the state recorded 58 pedestrian fatalities, but by 2021, that number nearly doubled to 106, with 96 deaths reported in 2022.
Why you need an Oklahoma pedestrian accident attorney on your side
Oklahoma’s fault-based insurance system seems straightforward—if a driver causes your pedestrian accident, their insurance should cover your expenses. However, the reality is often much more complicated. Insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts, leaving you to fight for the compensation you deserve.
That’s where an experienced Oklahoma City pedestrian accident attorney from Lawter & Associates, PLLC, comes in. We know how to navigate the system and secure the results you need.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us for a free case evaluation, and let us fight for your rights. With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t pay unless we win. Schedule your appointment today at our Tulsa or Oklahoma City office.
“Lawter Law is the Best in OKC and in Oklahoma as far as I’m concerned.” — Jim D.