Pedestrian crashes rise in Wilmington as foot traffic expected to increase
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Warmer temperatures, outdoor events and rising gas prices are expected to increase pedestrian traffic across the Cape Fear region on National Walking Day, but officials warn the trend could also lead to more crashes.
In connection with the Coastal Journalism Hub, WWAY dug into the recent uptick of pedestrian deaths in Wilmington.
Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shows Wilmington averages about 72 pedestrian crashes each year. Recent years have seen a steady increase, with 78 crashes reported in 2023, 86 in 2024 and 94 in 2025.
In the past three years, 32 pedestrians have been killed in crashes in the Wilmington area, according to state data.
Wilmington police say the issue is part of a broader national trend.
“It’s not just a Wilmington thing, it’s an anywhere in the United State thing,” said Lt. Greg Willett of the Wilmington Police Department.
Willett said infrastructure challenges have contributed to the increase in crashes, pointing to rapid population growth that has outpaced roadway improvements.
“We definitely have more sidewalks now than we used to but probably still not enough,” Willett said. “We have to do the best we can do with what we’ve got and a lot of our infrastructure is old and growth has exploded here.”
The Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization is using crash data and public input to identify high-risk areas. The agency’s goal is to eliminate fatal and serious injury crashes by 2050.
“I’m doing a lot of work to promote things like bicycling, walking, carpooling, public transportation,” said Carolyn Caggia of the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Officials also emphasize that safety is a shared responsibility. While drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians, police say many incidents involve people crossing roads outside designated areas.
Since July 2025, nearly 100 people have received citations for jaywalking in Wilmington. Willett said first-time offenders typically receive a warning, while repeat violations can result in a citation.
“So we’re not going out and just looking for someone jaywalking or doing something unsafe and writing them a ticket, we have had contact with those people in the past and they know,” Willett said.
Officials say addressing pedestrian safety will require a combined effort from drivers, pedestrians and city planners.
“There are folks that walk because they have to, they are trying to get somewhere just like you or me, or anybody else are,” Willett said.
The Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization offers additional pedestrian safety resources through its “Be a Looker” initiative.
