What Day of the Week Do Most Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

Pedestrian accidents can happen on any day of the week, but the day a crash occurs may influence the risks pedestrians face. Traffic volume, commuting patterns, nighttime visibility, alcohol impairment, weather conditions, and weekend activities can all affect the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Understanding when pedestrian crashes are most common can help pedestrians, drivers, and families recognize dangerous situations and take steps to prevent serious injuries.

For pedestrians in Illinois, including those walking in Naperville, Aurora, St. Charles, and surrounding communities, these risks are especially important near busy intersections, shopping centers, residential streets, public transportation stops, and roads with limited sidewalks or inadequate lighting. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic, even when the vehicle is traveling at a relatively low speed.

So, what day of the week do most pedestrian accidents occur? National crash data can help answer this question, but it is important to distinguish fatal pedestrian crashes from all pedestrian collisions. The day with the most fatal crashes is not necessarily the day with the most pedestrian accidents overall. The time of day, location, and circumstances of a collision also matter.

What Day of the Week Has the Most Pedestrian Accidents?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Saturday had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States in 2024, narrowly exceeding Friday. Of the 7,080 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes that year, 1,103 died on Saturdays and 1,095 died on Fridays. These figures represent fatal crashes, not every reported pedestrian collision.

The 2024 figures break down as follows:

Saturday accounted for approximately 15.6% of pedestrian fatalities, while Friday accounted for approximately 15.5%. Together, Friday through Sunday accounted for about 45% of pedestrian deaths in 2024. These numbers suggest that the end of the week deserves particular attention when discussing pedestrian safety. However, the difference between Friday and Saturday was small. It would be misleading to conclude that walking on Saturday is dramatically more dangerous than walking on other days.

It is also important to distinguish fatal pedestrian accidents from accidents that cause nonfatal injuries. The day with the highest number of deaths may differ from the day with the most collisions overall. Local patterns can also vary based on population, traffic density, road design, and pedestrian activity.

How Many Pedestrians Are Injured or Killed Each Year?

Pedestrian crashes remain a significant traffic safety problem in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians were killed and more than 71,000 were injured in traffic crashes in 2024. That means pedestrian fatalities alone averaged approximately 19 deaths per day nationwide.

A pedestrian has little physical protection when struck by a motor vehicle. Unlike occupants of cars and trucks, pedestrians do not benefit from seat belts, airbags, a reinforced passenger compartment, or other vehicle safety systems. Even a collision at a relatively low speed can result in serious injuries. Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions.
• Spinal cord injuries and fractured vertebrae.
• Broken legs, arms, hips, ribs, and pelvises.
• Internal bleeding and organ damage.
• Severe lacerations, abrasions, and permanent scarring.
• Multiple fractures and other catastrophic injuries.
• Fatal injuries that leave surviving family members facing a wrongful death claim.

The consequences can extend well beyond emergency medical treatment. An injured pedestrian may require surgery, inpatient rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, or long-term care. Some victims cannot return to their previous jobs or resume everyday activities without assistance. For this reason, pedestrian safety statistics are more than numbers. They represent people whose lives and families may be permanently affected by a preventable collision.

Why Are Pedestrian Accidents More Common on Fridays and Saturdays?

There is no single explanation for why Saturday and Friday recorded the most pedestrian deaths in 2024. However, several factors may contribute to the elevated numbers, particularly when combined with nighttime driving. Common reasons why include:

1. Increased nighttime activity

Friday and Saturday evenings often involve dining out, shopping, social gatherings, sporting events, concerts, and other activities that bring pedestrians and vehicles into the same areas. People may walk between parking lots, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, and public transportation stops. These activities can increase pedestrian exposure to traffic, particularly around busy commercial corridors and intersections.

The time of day is especially important. IIHS data show that 73% of pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The largest three-hour period was 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., when 1,703 pedestrian deaths occurred, followed by 9 p.m. to midnight, with 1,648 deaths.  This does not mean every evening walk is dangerous. It does show why visibility, vehicle speed, and driver attention deserve particular consideration after dark.

2. Alcohol impairment

Alcohol impairment can increase the risk of pedestrian crashes by affecting judgment, coordination, reaction time, and the ability to assess traffic. A driver who has been drinking may fail to notice a pedestrian, misjudge stopping distance, or react too slowly to avoid a collision. Pedestrians may also face increased risk when walking after drinking because impairment can affect balance, judgment, and the ability to recognize approaching vehicles.

Alcohol-related risks may be more relevant around late-night entertainment districts and weekend gatherings, but impairment-related pedestrian crashes can occur on any day of the week. Drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and must never drive while impaired. Pedestrians should also take reasonable precautions, including using designated crossings and arranging safe transportation when needed.

3. Darkness and limited visibility

Darkness makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians, especially when pedestrians wear dark clothing or walk along roads without sidewalks or adequate street lighting. The problem may be compounded by rain, glare from headlights, poorly maintained lighting, obstructed sightlines, and vehicles parked near intersections.

Drivers should slow down when visibility is reduced and remain alert for pedestrians near crosswalks, intersections, driveways, and transit stops. Pedestrians can improve their visibility by using reflective clothing or accessories and carrying a light when appropriate.

4. Higher-risk driving behavior

Speeding, distracted driving, unsafe turning, and failure to yield can turn an ordinary walk into a serious collision. A driver who is looking at a phone, adjusting a navigation system, or concentrating on finding an address may fail to see someone crossing the road.

Vehicle speed also affects the severity of a crash. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to respond, and the impact generally causes more severe injuries.

These behaviors are not limited to weekends. They are risks throughout the week, especially in areas where pedestrian routes intersect with fast-moving traffic.

5. More traffic around intersections and commercial areas

Pedestrians frequently encounter vehicles at intersections, driveways, shopping centers, and parking lots. Drivers may be focused on other vehicles, traffic signals, or finding an entrance rather than looking for someone on foot. Common scenarios include:

• A driver turning left or right across a crosswalk without yielding.
• A driver backing out of a parking space without checking for pedestrians.
• A vehicle passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
• A driver pulling out of a driveway and striking someone on the sidewalk.
• A driver speeding through a poorly lit intersection.

What Time of Day Are Pedestrian Accidents Most Likely to Occur?

The time of day is one of the most important factors to consider alongside the day of the week. National data show a clear concentration of fatal pedestrian crashes during nighttime hours. According to IIHS, nearly half of all pedestrian deaths in 2024 occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight. The two peak three-hour periods were 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight.

NHTSA’s 2023 pedestrian safety report also found that 77% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in darkness, compared with 19% in daylight. Alcohol involvement, involving either the driver or pedestrian, was reported in 46% of fatal pedestrian crashes that year. These are different measures from the 2024 statistics, but they reinforce the importance of visibility and impairment in pedestrian safety.

For pedestrians, the practical takeaway is to exercise additional caution when walking after dark, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Drivers should take extra care when:

• Approaching intersections and crosswalks at night.
• Driving through busy shopping or entertainment districts.
• Turning across sidewalks or pedestrian paths.
• Driving in rain, fog, or other conditions that reduce visibility.
• Traveling through residential areas where people may be walking dogs or crossing streets.

Pedestrians should remember that a walk signal does not guarantee that every driver will stop. Before entering a roadway, look for approaching vehicles and confirm that drivers have yielded.

Are Pedestrian Accidents More Common on Weekdays or Weekends?

The answer depends on the type of crash being measured and the location being studied. Fatality statistics show that Friday and Saturday together accounted for approximately 31% of all U.S. pedestrian deaths in 2024, with Sunday bringing the Friday-through-Sunday share to approximately 45%.

Weekdays nevertheless present their own risks. Morning and evening commutes bring vehicles and pedestrians together near workplaces, schools, train stations, and bus stops. During afternoon hours, children walking home from school and people traveling to shops or appointments may encounter busy traffic.

Weekends can involve different patterns, including late-night travel, entertainment-related traffic, and pedestrian activity around restaurants and retail areas. Neither pattern establishes that every individual is safer on one particular day. The number of people walking, the number of vehicles on the road, roadway design, and other circumstances all affect crash risk.

Pedestrian Accident Risks in Illinois

Illinois pedestrians face many of the same dangers reflected in national statistics. Busy suburban roads, multilane intersections, commercial driveways, and areas without continuous sidewalks can create hazardous conditions. In communities such as Naperville, Aurora, St. Charles, and other DuPage and Kane County communities, pedestrians may encounter traffic hazards near major intersections, shopping areas, residential subdivisions, and commuter routes. Relevant evidence may include:

• The time and date of the collision.
• Lighting and weather conditions.
• Traffic signals and crosswalk markings.
• Vehicle speed and braking evidence.
• Nearby surveillance or traffic-camera footage.
• Witness statements and police reports.
• Roadway design, visibility obstructions, and available sidewalks.

This evidence can help establish how a crash occurred and whether a driver’s negligence or another party’s conduct contributed to the pedestrian’s injuries.

How Can Pedestrians Reduce Their Risk of Being Struck by a Car?

Although pedestrians cannot control every hazard, several precautions can improve safety. NHTSA recommends using sidewalks when available, crossing at designated crosswalks or intersections, remaining alert, and watching for vehicles entering or leaving driveways. Practical safety measures include:

• Use designated crossings. Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible and obey pedestrian signals.
• Increase visibility. Wear reflective clothing or carry a light when walking after dark.
• Avoid distractions. Put away your phone and keep your attention on nearby traffic.
• Watch turning vehicles. Check for cars turning across your path, even when you have the walk signal.
• Walk where drivers can see you. Use sidewalks and well-lit routes whenever possible.
• Never assume a vehicle will stop. Wait until approaching vehicles have yielded before entering the roadway.
• Be especially cautious in parking lots. Watch for vehicles reversing out of spaces or backing out of driveways.

Drivers also have a responsibility to protect pedestrians. They should obey speed limits, yield when required, avoid distractions, and check carefully before turning or backing up.

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

If a vehicle strikes you while you are walking, your first priority should be obtaining medical attention. Some injuries, including internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. If you are able to do so safely, take the following steps:

1. Call 911 when necessary. Report the collision and request emergency assistance for serious injuries.
2. Get a medical evaluation. Follow medical recommendations even if you initially believe your injuries are minor.
3. Document the scene. Photograph the vehicle, roadway, crosswalk, traffic signals, visible injuries, and surrounding conditions when safe.
4. Identify witnesses. Obtain names and contact information from people who saw the collision.
5. Preserve relevant evidence. Keep medical records, receipts, photographs, and communications with insurers.
6. Be cautious when speaking with insurers. Avoid speculating about fault or agreeing to a settlement before understanding the extent of your injuries.
7. Consider legal advice. An Illinois injury attorney can help investigate liability, assess damages, and explain your options.

Evidence can disappear quickly. Nearby surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and physical conditions at the scene may change. Prompt documentation can therefore be important when pursuing a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents

What day of the week has the most pedestrian accidents?

Saturday had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States in 2024, with 1,103 deaths. Friday was a close second, with 1,095. These statistics concern fatal pedestrian crashes, not all pedestrian accidents.

Are pedestrian accidents more common at night?

Fatal pedestrian crashes are disproportionately concentrated at night. In 2024, 73% of pedestrian fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to IIHS. Darkness reduces visibility and can make it harder for drivers to recognize pedestrians in time to stop.

Are weekends more dangerous for pedestrians than weekdays?

Weekend days, particularly Friday and Saturday, accounted for a substantial share of pedestrian fatalities in 2024. However, weekday commuting and school-related travel also create risks. Whether a particular day has more collisions overall depends on the location and the type of crash being measured.

Who is at fault when a car strikes a pedestrian?

Fault depends on the circumstances. A driver may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, or making an unsafe turn. A pedestrian’s conduct may also be considered under applicable law. In Illinois, comparative negligence rules can affect recovery, but the specific facts and applicable legal requirements matter.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Illinois?

Illinois generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, subject to exceptions that may shorten or extend the deadline. Different rules may apply to claims involving public entities, minors, or other special circumstances. Consult an Illinois attorney promptly to determine the deadline for your specific case.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Potentially, yes. Illinois generally follows a modified comparative negligence system. A claimant may recover damages if their contributory fault is not more than 50%, with the recovery reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. The precise application depends on the facts and applicable law.

Speak the Experienced Illinois Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

The fact that Saturday and Friday recorded the highest pedestrian fatality totals in 2024 highlights the ongoing dangers pedestrians face, particularly during evening and nighttime hours. But a serious pedestrian collision can happen on any day, on any road, and in circumstances that could change a person’s life in seconds.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our Illinois pedestrian accident attorneys represent people who have suffered serious injuries because of another party’s negligence. We understand that a pedestrian accident can result in extensive medical expenses, lost income, long-term rehabilitation, and uncertainty about the future. Investigating the crash, preserving evidence, and identifying the parties responsible can be essential steps toward pursuing fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Naperville, Aurora, St. Charles, or elsewhere in Illinois, contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our firm can evaluate the circumstances of your accident, explain your legal options, and help you understand the steps involved in pursuing a personal injury claim. You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident alone.