Story perspectives

US Pedestrian Deaths Double Europe, Rise Amid Smartphone Era

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. pedestrian deaths have risen while peer nations have seen declines, outpacing Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia, and China.
In 2013 the United States and Western Europe had similar pedestrian death totals, rising to more than double Europe's by 2021.
Although smartphone adoption rose worldwide after 2007, only the United States saw a sustained increase in pedestrian deaths.
Distracted driving contributes, but data indicate additional factors drive the American pedestrian safety crisis.

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Story summary

U.S. pedestrian deaths have risen while peer nations have seen declines, outpacing Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia, and China.
In 2013 the United States and Western Europe had similar pedestrian death totals, rising to more than double Europe's by 2021.
Although smartphone adoption rose worldwide after 2007, only the United States saw a sustained increase in pedestrian deaths.
Distracted driving contributes, but data indicate additional factors drive the American pedestrian safety crisis.