A significant rise in pedestrian deaths across America has created a public safety crisis, with new data showing pedestrian fatalities have increased 48% since 2014.

According to a new study by Bader Law, this alarming trend is driven by two primary factors: an increasing number of speeding vehicles and the growing popularity of larger vehicles with dangerous high front-end designs.

Despite a slight decrease from 2023, drivers still killed 3,304 pedestrians during the first half of 2024 — more than 1,000 additional deaths compared to the same period in 2014.

Speed and Size Create a Deadly Mix

The research reveals how vehicle speed dramatically increases the risk to pedestrians:

• At 24 km/h, pedestrians face a 10% chance of serious injury.
• At 35 km/h, that risk jumps to 50% for moderate-to-fatal injuries.
• At 68 km/h, there is a 50% likelihood of death upon impact.

Vehicle size further compounds this danger. SUVs and pickup trucks are up to three times more likely to kill pedestrians than smaller passenger vehicles. This is primarily because their high hoods strike the torso, above the center of gravity, often throwing victims forward into the path of the vehicle.

This issue is magnified by the rapid growth in large vehicle sales: by 2022, SUVs, vans, and pickups accounted for 79% of new vehicle sales in the U.S., up from just 50% a decade earlier.

States with the Highest Pedestrian Death Rates

Several states stand out for having exceptionally high pedestrian fatality rates (per 100,000 residents):

• New Mexico – 2.07
• Mississippi – 1.94
• Nevada – 1.90
• District of Columbia – 1.85
• Arizona – 1.74
• Florida & Louisiana – 1.57
• South Carolina – 1.44
• Alabama – 1.32
• Delaware & North Carolina – 1.24

States with major year-over-year increases from 2023 to 2024 include:

• Nebraska – +150%
• Connecticut – +56.5%
• Missouri – +46.1%

States with the Lowest Pedestrian Death Rates

Conversely, these states recorded the lowest fatality rates:

• Montana – 0.18
• Idaho – 0.20
• New Hampshire – 0.21
• North Dakota – 0.25
• Rhode Island – 0.27
• Maine & Minnesota – 0.28
• South Dakota – 0.32
• Utah – 0.37
• West Virginia – 0.40
• Vermont & Iowa – 0.46

Some of these states also saw major year-over-year improvements in 2024:

• Montana – down 71.4%
• New Hampshire – down 66.7%
• Idaho – down 55.6%

Solutions to the Pedestrian Safety Crisis

Experts point to a number of safety interventions to curb fatalities:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Reduces crashes by 27% and serious injuries by up to 87% by automatically braking when a collision is imminent.
• Lower speed limits in pedestrian-heavy zones.
• Traffic calming measures like speed humps, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks.

“Every day, 18 people don’t return home after taking a walk. That’s unacceptable,” said Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The Urgent Need for Change

The study underscores that larger vehicles traveling at high speeds present the greatest threat to pedestrians. While the national pedestrian fatality rate now stands at 0.97 deaths per 100,000, it remains substantially higher than a decade ago.

In 2022, speeding was involved in 29% of all traffic deaths, contributing to 12,151 fatalities an average of 33 people per day.

Without decisive action on vehicle design, speed control, and urban infrastructure, the crisis on American roads will persist and more lives will be lost unnecessarily.

When it comes to weddings, 2025 is shaping up to be a year filled with creativity, individuality, and countless unexpected surprises. Couples are moving beyond traditional themes and opting for offbeat wedding ideas that showcase their personalities and passions. Whether it’s a love for retro aesthetics or an obsession with all things mystical, these unique themes are transforming the wedding scene. And the key to pulling off an offbeat theme? The perfect wedding venue. From a majestic forest backdrop to chic industrial spaces, the venue sets the tone for your celebration.

Here are the top offbeat wedding themes trending in 2025, paired with venue inspiration to bring your vision to life. 

1. Disco Dreams 

Who says disco is dead? This throwback theme combines glittering disco balls, vibrant neon lighting, and funky retro vibes. Picture a dance floor that’s as electric as the love you’re celebrating, paired with bright, bold décor inspired by the 1970s. 

Perfect Venue:

Choose a retro event space with vintage charm, like an old-school banquet hall or trendy rooftop venue with city views. Bonus points if the spot has room to hang oversized disco balls for the ultimate dance floor experience! 

2. Celestial Wonders 

This wedding theme takes romance out of this world. Think cosmic decor with constellations, deep hues of navy, black, and gold, and tablescapes dotted with tiny starry lights. Include telescope stations for stargazing, and you’ll have a night that’s truly written in the stars. 

Perfect Venue:

Bring the celestial theme to life in a remote outdoor setting that maximizes the night sky, such as a desert retreat or mountain lodge. Planetariums also make an unconventional yet stunning option for couples who want the celestial experience indoors. 

3. Enchanted Forest Fairy Tale 

For those who want their wedding to feel like stepping into a storybook, the enchanted forest fairy tale theme offers pure magic. This trend is all about lush greenery, twinkling lights, and whimsical touches like floral crowns and rustic wooden details. 

Perfect Venue:

An outdoor woodland location is the obvious choice, but don’t overlook botanical gardens or an estate with sprawling grounds. These spaces offer the enchanting atmosphere you need to transform your vision into reality. 

4. Industrial Chic 

The juxtaposition of gritty industrial elements and elegant wedding decor is a growing favorite among modern couples. Picture exposed brick walls, metal accents, and ambient lighting paired with soft blooms and sleek, minimalistic details. 

Perfect Venue:

Abandoned warehouses, loft spaces, and repurposed factories give you the industrial backdrop you need. Add string lights, candles, and greenery to create a vibe that’s warm and inviting amidst the industrial edges. 

5. 90’s Nostalgia Vibes 

The 1990s are making a big comeback—not just in fashion but at weddings too. Couples are leaning into this playful and nostalgic theme through bold colors, funky patterns, and nods to classic 90’s pop culture (think neon slap bracelets, arcade games, and cassette tape decor). 

Perfect Venue:

Opt for quirky event spaces, like an old-school arcade, retro diner, or even a roller-skating rink. Bonus? These unusual venues double as entertainment for your guests! 

Make It Unforgettable 

Unconventional wedding themes offer couples a chance to craft a celebration that’s uniquely theirs, and 2025 is a year to go bold. Whether you’re twirling under a disco ball or exchanging vows under the stars, your wedding should feel personal, exciting, and—most important—true to you. 

It all begins with the perfect theme and the perfect venue. Choose both carefully, and you’ll be on your way to planning an unforgettable day that reflects your love story in the most remarkable way possible.

Losing a loved one is an emotional time, and the task of settling their estate can feel overwhelming. Between navigating legal formalities, sorting through personal belongings, and addressing financial matters, there’s much to manage. For many families, one of the most significant challenges is deciding what to do with the belongings left behind. This is where professional estate sale services can provide invaluable assistance. 

These services are designed to streamline the process of managing and selling personal property, offering both practical support and peace of mind. Here’s how estate sale services can help you during this sensitive time. 

How Can Estate Sale Services Make the Process Easier? 

Settling an estate can be both emotionally taxing and time-intensive. Here are several ways estate sale professionals can ease this burden:

1. Expert Valuation of Belongings 

One of the greatest challenges families face is determining the value of items. Estate sale professionals bring their expertise to appraise belongings fairly and accurately. Whether it’s antique furniture, fine art, or vintage collectibles, they have the knowledge and market insights to assign appropriate prices. This ensures that valuable items are not inadvertently sold at far below market value.

2. Full-Service Organization 

The process of sorting, categorizing, and preparing items for sale can be daunting, especially while grieving. Estate sale services handle these tasks for you, from organizing items to staging them in an appealing way for potential buyers. Their trained teams work efficiently to ensure no detail is overlooked, saving you time and effort.

3. Comprehensive Marketing and Outreach 

Estate sale professionals know how to attract a large audience of buyers. Through online platforms, local advertisements, and email lists of collectors and dealers, they ensure maximum visibility for your sale. This can lead to faster sales and better financial returns, making the entire process more worthwhile.

4. Stress-Free Sale Execution 

Hosting an estate sale requires planning, managing logistics, and dealing with buyers—a lot to handle during an already challenging time. Estate sale services take on this responsibility by managing every aspect of the event. They handle negotiations, manage transactions, and answer buyer questions, letting you step back from the stress of the sale. 

5. Efficient Post-Sale Cleanup 

Once the sale is over, the unsold items still need to be dealt with. Many estate sale companies offer post-sale cleanup services, including donating items to charities, recycling, or properly disposing of anything that remains. They can also help prepare the property for listing on the real estate market if needed.

6. Professional and Compassionate Support 

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of working with estate sale professionals is the compassion and sensitivity they bring to the process. They understand that every item may hold personal memories, and they treat both the belongings and the family members with respect. This can make a difficult task less painful. 

When Should You Consider Estate Sale Services? 

Estate sale services are particularly useful if:

• The estate has a large number of belongings to manage.
• You’re unsure of the value of certain items.
• You have limited time to handle the sale due to personal commitments.
• The property needs to be cleared out quickly for sale or transfer.

Whether your loved one owned a sprawling estate or simply accumulated a lifetime of meaningful belongings, estate sale services can help you approach the process with greater ease.

Peace of Mind During a Difficult Time 

Settling a loved one’s estate is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Professional estate sale services can alleviate much of the logistical and emotional strain, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one’s legacy. From fair pricing and organized sales to post-sale cleanup, their expertise can help you transition through this chapter with compassion and confidence.