Why Walking in Massachusetts Is Becoming Surprisingly Hazardous for Seniors

Walking is among the most healthful things you can do; just ask your doctor. However, it can also be hazardous. WalkMassachusetts' fifth annual report states, "In 2025, one in every five traffic deaths in Massachusetts involved a person walking," and that many of those victims were seniors.

"Of the 354 total traffic fatalities reported statewide, at least 76 were pedestrians, accounting for more than 21 percent of all deaths," reported WM. That is alarming to a society that has learned to lace up and launch a little ankle express while calculating its steps and calories.

The report titled "Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in Massachusetts 2025" utilizes MassDOT crash data to analyze the locations, timing, and circumstances of these incidents, highlighting areas where action is necessary to enhance street safety, according to its authors.

Older Adults Disproportionately Impacted by Traffic Crashes

"Older adults continue to be disproportionately impacted," according to WM. "43.4 percent of people killed while walking were age 65+, despite representing 18.7 percent of the population."

Almost Half Of Massachusetts Pedestrian Fatalities Are Seniors

James Fuccione, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, said, "While the rates have shifted higher and lower, older adults have been disproportionately impacted in pedestrian fatalities in Massachusetts since WalkMassachusetts started compiling these annual reports, and it underscores the need to prioritize aligning age-friendly efforts with planning, policy, and funding programs."

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Darkness and Local Streets Present Highest Safety Risks

The report also found that 69.7 percent of pedestrian fatal crashes occurred in the dark, and 69.7 percent happened on local streets controlled by a city or town.

Hit-and-Run Incidents Complicate State Traffic Crisis

WM said pedestrian fatalities occurred in 49 Massachusetts communities in 2025, "including 13 with multiple deaths." Shockingly, 17 percent of the fatalities "involved drivers leaving the scene."