AAA: Fatal Pedestrian Crashes Rise in Massachusetts

Fatal pedestrian crashes in Massachusetts increased significantly in 2024, despite a national decline, according to AAA.

The Boston Globe cited statistics from AAA, which recorded 7,148 pedestrians killed in crashes last year in the United States, down 4.3% from 2023. In Massachusetts, 78 pedestrians died in crashes in 2024, up 16% from a year earlier, AAA noted.

AAA further observed that 46% of U.S. pedestrian crashes in 2023 involved “a driver and/or pedestrian” with a blood alcohol level of 0.01 or higher. The legal limit in Massachusetts is 0.08.

According to The Globe, incidents involving pedestrians have become increasingly frequent. During the week of Sept. 29, a shuttle bus struck a pedestrian on Albany Street. An 89-year-old was fatally hit by a vehicle while crossing a street in Franklin.

A report by the New Bedford Guide stated that advocacy groups such as WalkMassachusetts note that older adults, people with disabilities, and residents in environmental justice communities are disproportionately affected by pedestrian and vehicle incidents. More than one-third of victims killed in 2024 were ages 65 or older.

During National Pedestrian Safety Month, AAA Northeast emphasizes the importance of cautious driving and pedestrian vigilance. AAA urges drivers to adhere to traffic laws and avoid distractions and impairment.

Pedestrians are advised to obey traffic signals, use sidewalks or walk facing traffic, cross only at designated crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and wear reflective clothing at night. Likewise, drivers are urged to remain vigilant for pedestrians, especially in poor weather conditions, reduce speed, yield at crosswalks, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.