DEI-inspired efforts by Anchorage’s left-leaning Assembly to address pedestrian deaths have failed to make city streets safer.

A new report from the Alaska Department of Health highlights the deadly rise in pedestrian fatalities in Anchorage, with 15 deaths recorded in 2025 alone – the highest annual total in the past decade.

The findings may put pressure on the Anchorage Assembly to consider reversing a 2023 policy that decriminalized jaywalking in the name of promoting so-called “equity” in local law enforcement.

The 2023 ordinance effectively removed all fines for jaywalking, and was strongly criticized by then-Mayor Dave Bronson, who warned that legalizing jaywalking could have devastating consequences.

According to the new study, which was released on April 22, a total of 92 pedestrians died in vehicle-related incidents in Alaska’s largest city between 2016 and 2025. The 2025 fatality rate reached 5.18 deaths per 100,000 residents, marking a peak in the period analyzed.

Drawing from death certificate data and Anchorage Municipal traffic records, the report underscores that pedestrian deaths remain a significant public health concern and a leading cause of unintentional transportation-related fatalities. In Anchorage, where vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes are highest in the state, these incidents cluster in specific areas, times, and conditions.

Males accounted for 61% of the deaths (56 out of 92). Fatalities peaked in September, with 15 deaths representing 16% of the total. The months of August through October saw the greatest concentration of incidents, often occurring between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. The report states that factors like reduced daylight in late summer and early fall, coinciding with twilight hours, are contributing factors, along with behavioral risks by both drivers and pedestrians.

Geographically, incidents were heavily concentrated in a few urban hotspots. Midtown Anchorage recorded the highest number with 23 fatalities (25%), defined by the area bordered by West Fireweed Lane and 25th Avenue to the north, the Seward Highway to the east, West 36th Avenue/Spenard Road to the south, and Minnesota Drive to the west. East Downtown followed with 8 deaths (9%), and two intersections along C Street – at 32nd Avenue and West 48th Avenue – accounted for another 6 (7%). Most other areas of the city saw fewer than six fatalities each.

Driver behavior played a notable role. In 30% of cases (28 out of 92), the driver fled the scene. Speeding was documented in 4% of incidents. Substance use was common: among pedestrians with available data (2016–2024), 18% had alcohol only in their system and 36% had any substance. Among drivers, 9% had alcohol only and 25% had any substance.

The report recommends continued monitoring to identify risk patterns, roadway safety improvements, and stronger law enforcement efforts against impaired and illegal driving. For pedestrians, it advises increasing visibility in low-light conditions with reflective clothing and using designated crosswalks. Drivers are urged to avoid alcohol or drugs, refrain from distractions like texting, and always use headlights, especially during evening and nighttime hours.

When the Assembly first legalized jaywalking in 2023, co-sponsor Daniel Volland claimed.  the change would make Anchorage’s laws more “equitable” for specific demographics like people of color and those with low incomes.

Then-Mayor Bronson, however, warned the assembly of an old axiom  – “Do not remove a fence until you know why it was put up in the first place.”

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Suzanne LaFrance voted for the 2023 ordinance that removed fines for jaywalking. LaFrance was no longer on the assembly at that time. We regret the error.

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