WalkMassachusetts

⚠️ The Data is In: 2025 Fatal Pedestrian Crash Report

Our streets should be safe for everyone, but the newly released report from WalkMass highlights severe, systemic gaps in traffic safety across Massachusetts. The data shows that pedestrian fatalities are heavily concentrated by geography, age, and systemic design.

Here are the critical takeaways from the report:

⭕ Widespread Municipal Vulnerability: Out of 351 municipalities in Massachusetts, 49 communities suffered at least one fatal pedestrian crash, and 13 experienced multiple deaths within the calendar year.
⭕Environmental Justice Inequity: An alarming 62% of fatal pedestrian crashes (47 out of 76) occurred within designated Environmental Justice (EJ) Census Block Groups.
⭕Disproportionate Impact on Older Adults:43% of fatalities were older adults (aged 65+), meaning they are being killed at a higher rate than any other age group.
⭕Who Owns the Danger? Local infrastructure carries the highest risk, with 70% of fatal crashes taking place on City or Town streets, 25% on State Roads (MassDOT), and 5% on private roads.
⭕The Hidden Toll: Due to a federal reporting guidelines gap, at least 11 individuals who lost their lives on Massachusetts roads were completely excluded from MassDOT's main dataset.

💥How We Fight Back
1️⃣ Deploy Traffic Calming
Budgets are tight, but safety is paramount. Start cheap with paint and cones, then scale up to permanent features.

2️⃣ Deter Reckless Driving
The Legislature should permit traffic safety cameras—protecting communities while respecting privacy.

3️⃣ Empower Your Community
Lead a walk audit in your neighborhood to push for local change. Reach out if you need help getting started!

Read the full report: https://walkmass.org/crash-reports/

The tragedy on Belmont Street is a heartbreaking reminder that our roads aren't just lines on a map—they are the places where we live, walk, and raise our families. Since 2015, 32 people in Brockton have lost their lives simply trying to cross the street.

Poor lighting and a lack of safe crossings turn everyday walks into life-threatening risks. We can’t bring back those we’ve lost, but we can demand a city designed to protect the living.

How You Can Help:
Demand Change: Contact local and state leaders to prioritize safer crossings and better lighting on Belmont St and across Brockton.

Show Up: Speak up for "Complete Streets" and traffic calming measures at the next public meeting.

Report Hazards: Use SeeClickFix to report dangerous sidewalk gaps or speeding hotspots.

Support the BTSC: Follow the Brockton Transportation Safety Coalition (WalkMassachusetts, Brockton Workers Alliance, and Brockton Bikes) to stay informed on transit audits and advocacy efforts.

Safe streets start with us. 🚶‍♂️🚲 Please share this post to help spread awareness. Every voice makes it harder for our leaders to look the other way.

Brockton Alliance https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BahtVseeT/ (Brockton Bikes)