Pedestrian fatalities and injuries have increased alarmingly in Leon County in recent years. According to data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Crash Dashboard, the county saw 12 pedestrian fatalities between 2023 and 2024, which is 50% more than the eight deaths recorded in 2018 and 2019.
Additionally, from 380 in 2018 and 2019 to 440 in 2023 and 2024, there was a 16% increase in pedestrian-related collisions.
This growing tendency is especially concerning because, nationwide, pedestrian mortality decreased by 5.4% in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking the first year-over-year fall since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, compared to 2019 before the pandemic, the number of pedestrian deaths in 2023 was still 14.1% greater.
In 2024, Tallahassee reported six pedestrian fatalities and two cyclist fatalities, according to data obtained from the Tallahassee Police Department.
These numbers highlight the critical need for improved pedestrian safety in the area. Local government agencies, such as the Capital Regional Transportation Agency, have launched projects to address this issue. To identify and implement improvements in locations with high pedestrian crash rates, CRPTA, for example, applied for a grant in late August to undertake a safety study along a six-mile stretch of West Tennessee Street.
County Commissioner Rick Minor said government officials need to improve these conditions as soon as possible. The next steps include a coordination project between Blueprint, CRPTA and the Florida Department of Transportation. Leon County is applying for $17 million in federal funds to improve safety measures on North Monroe Street.
“Last month, the Leon County Commission unanimously voted in support of Rep. Allison Tant’s distracted driving bill, in which Florida would join 31 other states in prohibiting texting while driving,” Minor said in an interview.
Some contributing factors to these tragic accidents include speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving such as texting. Minor believes initiatives like Tant’s bill will not only prevent pedestrian fatalities but lower motor vehicle accidents as well.
The data from TPD showed that since the start of 2025, there have been at least two incidents involving pedestrians. Some involved individuals in wheelchairs and skaters.
Students at the colleges and universities in Tallahassee worry about their commutes to class as this information becomes released. Jasmine Phillips, a fourth-year student at FAMU, said she is constantly on the lookout when it comes to vehicles flying around the campus.
“People just aren’t paying attention, especially in the crosswalks. On such an open campus, it doesn’t make sense why anyone should be going 15 miles over the limit,” Phillips said.
Residents, neighborhood organizations and city officials continue to work together to address the increase in pedestrian fatalities and injuries. Improving pedestrian infrastructure, raising public awareness and enforcing stronger traffic regulations are all crucial steps in making everyone safer.