The Carolinas are among the top 15 states with the most frequent pedestrian deaths, according to a report released Wednesday night.
The Governor's Highway Safety Association reported that pedestrian deaths are increasing faster than driver deaths.
There were almost 6,000 pedestrian deaths last year in the Carolinas, the most in more than 20 years.
North Carolina ranked 13th with almost two deaths per 100,000 residents.
South Carolina had the third highest fatality rate of more than 2.5 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Researchers blamed more drivers and pedestrians being distracted by cellphones and other devices.
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