BALTIMORE, MD—A new analysis of pedestrian crash data has delivered a grim ranking for Baltimore, Maryland, placing the city as the second-most dangerous U.S. tourist destination for people on foot. The study, conducted by accident and injury lawyers Gammill Law, analyzed fatal pedestrian crashes across popular vacation spots from 2018 to 2023.
The findings highlight a deeply concerning trend in Baltimore, which not only has a high fatality rate but also an alarmingly sharp increase in pedestrian deaths year over year.
Baltimore’s High-Risk Ranking
Baltimore ranked just behind Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for its crash rate but showed a much faster growth in fatalities:
- Rank: 2nd most dangerous city for pedestrians.
- Crash Rate: 43.88 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents.
- Total Fatalities: Over 240 pedestrian fatalities recorded between 2018 and 2023.
- Annual Growth Rate: Pedestrian fatalities are surging at an 8.9% annual increase.
While Fort Lauderdale topped the list with a rate of 52.10 crashes per 100,000 residents, its annual growth rate was a minor decrease (-1.8%). Baltimore’s nearly 9% annual increase signals a rapidly worsening safety environment for walkers. Only Albuquerque, New Mexico (11.2%), West Palm Beach, Florida (16.7%), and Providence, Rhode Island (41.4%), showed higher growth rates among the cities analyzed.
Tourist Traffic and Unaware Pedestrians
The analysis points out that the danger is concentrated in tourist-heavy cities, particularly in the South and Southwest, with four of the top ten cities being in Florida. Baltimore’s ranking suggests that its combination of high visitor traffic and dangerous road conditions creates a dangerous mix for tourists and residents alike.
“It’s concerning that many of these dangerous areas are places where pedestrian activity is naturally high due to tourism,” commented David Gammill, Founder of Gammill Law. “Visitors often walk between attractions, restaurants, and hotels without realizing they’re in one of the country’s highest-risk zones for pedestrian fatalities.”
For comparison, major metropolitan areas known for their pedestrian infrastructure and robust public transit systems ranked at the bottom of the danger list:
- New York City had the lowest rate at 5.85 crashes per 100,000 residents.
- Boston followed with 7.34.
The report also noted that of the 49 cities analyzed, 31 showed positive growth rates in pedestrian fatalities, indicating a nationwide worsening of conditions for those on foot.
Call for Caution
Gammill Law urges both tourists and residents to exercise extreme caution when walking in high-risk cities like Baltimore. Simple safety measures recommended by the firm include:
- Always using crosswalks.
- Avoiding walking at night.
- Staying alert and avoiding distractions like mobile phones.
The high and increasing rate of pedestrian deaths in Baltimore presents a major challenge to city planners and officials who are committed to creating a safer and more walkable city.
Photo via Pixabay
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