Four Florida Cities Among the Most Dangerous for Pedestrians in the U.S.
Florida once again finds itself in the spotlight—this time for alarming pedestrian fatality rates. A new study has identified the most dangerous tourist destinations in the U.S. for pedestrians, and four of the top ten cities are in Florida: Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Myers.
Between 2018 and 2023, Fort Lauderdale topped the national list with 52.10 fatal pedestrian crashes per 100,000 residents, the highest rate among all tourist destinations analyzed. During this period, the city recorded 96 pedestrian deaths, making it the most dangerous place in the country for those traveling on foot.
West Palm Beach ranked fifth, with 37.06 crashes per 100,000 residents, and recorded an alarming 16.7% annual growth rate in pedestrian fatalities — one of the sharpest increases across all U.S. cities studied.
In ninth place, Miami reported 33.34 fatal pedestrian crashes per 100,000 residents and a total of 152 deaths during the six-year analysis. Despite being a major international tourist hub, Miami’s pedestrian death rate has risen 6.6% annually, reflecting growing concerns about urban safety and walkability.
While not in the top ten overall, Fort Myers showed one of the most concerning trends: after having no pedestrian deaths in 2018, the city peaked with nine fatalities in 2022, signaling a 26% yearly growth rate — the second highest among all cities reviewed.
According to David Gammill, founder of Gammill Law:
“The concentration of high-risk areas in Florida should serve as a warning to tourists who may not be familiar with local traffic patterns. Many of these places are popular for walking between attractions and restaurants — yet they rank among the most dangerous spots in the country for pedestrians.”The study highlights that the safest cities, such as New York, Boston, and Washington D.C., tend to have strong public transportation systems and well-developed pedestrian infrastructure, factors that help minimize risks for residents and visitors alike.
In contrast, many southern and southwestern destinations, especially across Florida, face some of the highest pedestrian risks due to heavy tourist activity, dense traffic, and a lack of protected walkways or safe pedestrian zones.
