Now that it’s October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) invites us to celebrate National Pedestrian Safety Month!
Every year in October, NHTSA reminds us of the importance of pedestrian safety by holding National Pedestrian Safety Month. This event allows us an opportunity to inventory our current efforts and identify future strategies to address pedestrian fatalities and injuries in our communities. What have you, your city, and other partners done this year to make it safer and easier for those walking in your community?
According to NHTSA traffic safety data, approximately one pedestrian died every 72 minutes and one was injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes on U.S. roads in 2023. Furthermore, seventeen percent of children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, one of our most vulnerable populations. This is a stark reminder that it will take us all working together to create safe roads for all.
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. Many transportation agencies in the United States aim to reach the goal of zero fatalities or serious injuries on our streets in the near future. How can we reach that goal? Traffic safety professionals and advocates have called for changing the way we think about road safety and taking a different approach – the Safe System Approach. The Safe System Approach counters previous transportation planning norms and prioritizes safety efforts to save lives. Attention is refocused on the reduction of fatal and severe injuries when a crash occurs through the use of vehicle or roadway design and the management of our infrastructure.
Looking for ways to engage your own community in pedestrian safety efforts?
NHTSA released their 2025 Pedestrian Safety Community Resource Guide this month which provides free social media materials and other resources to help communities and local leaders organize awareness events and engage a diverse, inclusive coalition dedicated to promoting pedestrian safety in their communities. The Guide provides an overview of the Safe System Approach, how to build a coalition, and how to plan and implement community events. 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!
Know of other resources to help promote National Pedestrian Safety Month? Let us know and we can share them! Send an email to safetrec@berkeley.edu
NHTSA offers the following tips for those driving and walking during National Pedestrian Safety Month:
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 look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
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Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.
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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; slow down around pedestrians.
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Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, like school zones and neighborhoods.
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Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
Walking Safety Tips
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Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
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Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
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Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
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If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic.
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Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible.
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If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch 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 judgment and coordination.
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Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation - get up, get out and get moving.