MMWR: Emergency Department Visits for Pedestrians Injured in Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes

Traffic-related pedestrian deaths in the U.S. reached a 40-year high in 2021, with approximately 7,000 fatalities. Near real-time data from CDC's National Syndromic Surveillance Program revealed that during January 2021–December 2023, 137,325 emergency department visits were due to pedestrian injuries. These injuries were disproportionately among racial and ethnic minorities.

This data underscores the urgency for collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local partners to monitor trends, address disparities, and implement strategies promoting road safety for all. Read more on how timely pedestrian injury data can inform public health practices and support the Safe System approach in preventing traffic injuries in CDC’s MMWR here.