New Mexico named most dangerous state for pedestrians

A recent study from Car Insurance Comparison found New Mexico was ranked the most dangerous state overall for pedestrians. According to the study, New Mexico has the highest pedestrian

fatality rate in the country, with nearly four pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents.

New Mexico’s death rate is 2.07, or 110 percent higher than the national pedestrian death rate. It is also 156 percent higher than the median for all states, according to the study.

In August 2021, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) released a comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Action plan to address pedestrian safety and motor vehicle crashes.

The department measured data from 2012 to 2018 and found rural interstate and non-interstate roads accounted for 354 pedestrian involved crashes. A total of 3,549 of pedestrian involved crashes occurred on urban roads from 2012 to 2018. Albuquerque in

particular was a hotspot for pedestrian accidents.

The Safety Plan addresses factors that lead to pedestrian and vehicle crashes such as drugs and alcohol, speeding, driver inattention, and pedestrian error (this can include lack of, or improper infrastructure and awareness from pedestrians).

NMDOT stresses that pedestrians not wear dark clothing at night and attempt to be more visible and for pedestrians and drivers to be alert and aware of traffic and

traffic safety laws.