The number of pedestrians killed on  roads continues to grow in the U.S. In particular, in 2016 the number of pedestrians who became victims of accidents increased by 11%, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)  reported.

States reported 2,660 pedestrian fatalities for the first six months of 2016, compared to 2,486 deaths during the same time period in the previous year. Using this data and historic trends, GHSA estimates that there were 5,997 pedestrian fatalities in 2016.

Potential factors contributing to this spike include a better economy, an increase in walking as a primary mode of transportation, and distraction due to growing use of smartphone technology.