Columbus has a lower pedestrian fatality rate than dozens of other major U.S. cities, but a higher rate than other large Ohio cities, according to a report from a national nonprofit.
Smart Growth America, a national transportation, housing and development nonprofit, released the 2026 edition of its annual “Dangerous by Design” report this month, which ranks the United States’ 101 largest metropolitan areas by their pedestrian fatality rates through 2024. Columbus came in 73rd on the list with a fatality rate of 1.58 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people.
Columbus had a higher fatality rate than the Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek area, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo and Cleveland, according to the report. Cleveland had the lowest fatality rate of Ohio’s largest cities, with a rate of 1.12 deaths per 100,000 people, putting it 89th in the rankings.
The metropolitan area with the highest fatality rate in the country was Memphis, Tennessee, with a rate of 5.5 deaths per 100,000 people.
Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. have increased 72% from 2009 due to larger vehicles becoming more common, distracted driving, impaired drivers and pedestrians, and road designs that prioritize car speed and convenience over safety, according to Smart Growth America. Deaths reached a peak of more than 7,500 in 2022.
More than 7,000 U.S. pedestrians were killed in 2024, a 3.9% decrease from 2023 but still more deaths than every year on record from 1982 to 2021, according to Smart Growth America.
Here are some new ODOT construction projects to look out for this week, with official ODOT Detours that use state routes only:
Franklin County ODOT Projects for the week of June 19
Downtown Columbus ODOT projects for the week of June 19
Transportation and neighborhoods reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com, @NathanRHart on X and nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: How does Columbus’ pedestrian safety compare to other major U.S. cities?
Reporting by Nathan Hart, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nathan Hart, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
