Local Infrastructure and Economy Predicts Traffic Related Fatalities in Children

A study used the National Walk Index to score the walkability of 158 counties in the US from 2017 to 2021 that had more than 100,000 children living there and one or more pediatric traffic fatalities.

For every bump up in walkability scores, there was a 7% decrease in child traffic deaths.

In a highly walkable area, speed limits are lower, there's more pedestrian oriented intersections, and higher intersection density, which slows down car traffic.

Urban planners should focus on making communities more walkable because it could save children's lives.