When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, the speed of the vehicle can have a major impact on the severity of the injuries. Even at speeds that may seem relatively low, a pedestrian has little protection against the impact of a vehicle. As speed increases, the pedestrian car accident fatality rate rises significantly.
Here’s what the statistics show:
23 to 24 mph: 10% risk of death
32 mph: 25% risk of death
40 to 42 mph: 50% risk of death
50 mph: 75% risk of death
58 mph: 90% risk of death
These statistics make it clear how quickly the risk of death increases as vehicle speed goes up. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle has a much higher risk of dying at 40 mph than at 25 mph.
How the Pedestrian Car Accident Fatality Rate is Affected by Speed
Speed limits are an important part of pedestrian safety because the speed of a vehicle can affect both the severity of a pedestrian’s injuries and the risk of death. A pedestrian struck at a higher speed is more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries.
However, speed is not the only factor that can affect the outcome of a pedestrian accident. After a crash, determining what happened can require more than simply looking at the speed limit. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and vehicle data may help show what led to the accident and who may be responsible. This information can be important when determining whether a driver was negligent and who may be responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.
Bellingham, WA Lowers Speed Limit on Residential and Downtown Streets
On August 25, 2025 the City of Bellingham installed new 20 mph speed limit signs throughout the city, as the city lowered speed limits on residential streets and throughout downtown. The changes are intended to reduce serious crashes and create safer streets for people walking, biking, and driving.
Details:
- The new 20 mph default applies to residential, local access streets where limits are not posted directly. A 20 mph limit also applies in the downtown business district.
- With the start of the school year, the new speed limit is in effect.
- Additional speed limit updates on select arterial streets are planned for Summer 2027 and Summer 2028. These future changes will align posted speeds with updated municipal code, federal guidelines, and engineering evaluations. The city plans to share more information as the changes come closer.
Bellingham’s decision to lower speed limits reflects the connection between vehicle speed and the pedestrian car accident fatality rate. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and significantly reduce the likelihood that a crash will result in a serious injury or death. “Research consistently shows that even small reductions in speed can make a meaningful difference, especially for people walking or biking. Slowing down in neighborhoods and other places where people walk, bike, and gather can reduce the risk of serious crashes and make streets safer for everyone,” shared Connor Harron, City of Bellingham Communications and Outreach Coordinator.
Seek the Help of a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of a negligent driver, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced pedestrian injury attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
