Every October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) invites us to celebrate National Pedestrian Safety Month.
Image Source: NHTSA
This month provides us an opportunity to uplift current efforts and make new commitments to address pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries. What have you done this year to make it safer and easier for those walking in your community?
According to NHTSA, approximately one pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes in traffic crashes on U.S. roads in 2022. This is a stark reminder that we must all work together to create a safe and comfortable transportation system for road users of all ages and abilities. The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022 to 2026 calls for an increase of 50% in trips by transit and active transportation modes - walking, biking, rolling, etc. – from 2020 levels. This is only possible if our transportation systems are safe and comfortable, especially amidst our most vulnerable populations like those walking.
Across the U.S., agencies are working together to help us reach the goal of zero fatalities or serious injuries on our streets. In the past 3 years alone, the U.S. DOT has adopted the Safe System Approach and launched both their National Roadway Safety Strategy and Call to Action campaign. According to NHTSA’s latest report, the number of traffic fatalities in the first quarter or 2024 declined by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2023. This marks the ninth straight quarter of declines – but we still have work to do to reach our goal of zero. For those interested in exploring more pedestrian safety data both federally and statewide, NHTSA launched their Pedestrian Data Visualization webpage
Looking for ways to engage your own community in pedestrian safety efforts?
NHTSA published their Pedestrian Safety Community Resource Guide this month which provides community members with tangible ways to promote safer conditions for those walking in their communities like coalition building, hosting community activities, and leveraging opportunities and resources. One resource in particular highlighted is the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program which will provide $5 billion in funding over five years for communities to plan for and implement safe active transportation infrastructure.
For National Pedestrian Safety Month campaigns, NHTSA also launched their Social Media Playbook for anyone to use. The playbook includes content, assets, and instructions to help you educate both pedestrians and drivers how they can do their part to keep others safe this month and year round. Both this resource and the Community Resource Guide can be found on the U.S. DOT’s Pedestrian Safety webpage of the Traffic Safety Marketing website. You’ll also find other helpful resources like pedestrian safety data, sample news releases, and more!
8 Safety Tips for Drivers
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Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
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Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
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Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
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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.
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Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
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Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
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Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
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Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
8 Walking Safety Tips
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Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
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Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
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If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
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Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
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If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
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Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
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Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
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Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation - get up, get out and get moving.