Nearly Half of Americans Surveyed Are Worried About Being Hit by a Car

Pedestrian deaths in the United States are currently at a 40-year high. Traffic deaths overall were at a 16-year high in 2021. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last year, “The country has just become used to it. We’ve just come to assume or expect that it’s inevitable.” A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports shows Buttigieg’s words aren’t empty. According to the survey, Americans are largely afraid that a vehicle will hit them at some point.

Last month, Consumer Reports interviewed 2,088 adults in the US as a part of the American Experiences Survey. Respondents were asked about a variety of mundane topics including yard care and mattresses.

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The survey also included a section of questions about pedestrian safety. When asked if they or anyone in their family had been hit by a vehicle or had a close call over the last 12 months, 48 percent of people answered, “No, but I am worried that it could happen.” It is a staggering amount when you consider that it excludes the 18 percent of respondents who answered yes.