October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

Safer Drivers Save Lives

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. To celebrate this safety awareness month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

Unfortunately, in 2022 there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 0.7-percent increase from the 7,470 pedestrian fatalities in 2021. It is the highest since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. In 2022 there were an estimated 67,336 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes, an 11-percent increase from 60,579 pedestrians injured in 2021. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2022. In fact, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2022 nationally. The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to safer, healthier, and cleaner streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.

For many Americans, Halloween is the highlight of October. Drivers should be aware that on Halloween evening, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places. Families will be trick-or-treating with smaller children who may be unaware of surrounding traffic and quick to dart into the street. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.

Know the Basics—Pedestrian Safety
8 Safety Tips for Drivers

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.