Pedestrian deaths surged in 2015, early data suggests

Early data from states suggest pedestrian safety is a growing national problem.

The preliminary data find that pedestrian deaths surged by an estimated 10 percent last year as the economy improved, the price of gas plunged and motorists put more miles behind the wheel than ever before.

The report also says the growing use of cellphones distracting drivers and walkers may also be partially to blame. Health considerations may also be encouraging people to walk more.

A report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association, analyzed data from the first half of 2015. There were 2,368 pedestrians killed, compared to 2,232 during the same period in 2014. Researchers say there are usually more deaths in the second half of the year, which includes the summer months.

Pedestrian fatalities account for 15 percent of total traffic deaths, which are also rising.

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