October is National Pedestrian Safety Month!

Every October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) invites us to celebrate National Pedestrian Month.

NHTSA reminds us that we must work together to create a transportation system that is safe and comfortable for all people of all ages and abilities to walk. The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) notes we all play a significant role - including federal, state and local agencies who plan, design, build and maintain our roads, safety enforcement agencies that ensure safety laws and regulations are followed, elected officials who sponsor and pass legislation to enhance safety, as well as community groups and individuals.

Celebrate National Pedestrian Safety Month in 2023! (Photo: NHTSA)

According to NHTSA's latest calculations, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2021, a 12.5 percent increase from the 6,565 pedestrians killed in 2020. Unfortunately, pedestrian deaths on our roads continue to grow year after year. 2021 had the highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians were killed on our roads. With numbers climbing, traffic safety partners encourage everyone to practice safe driving behaviors and lookout for your neighbors walking. 

NHTSA’s Pedestrian Safety web page provides data, resources, and tips to get you geared up for National Pedestrian Month. Whether you’re a transportation planner, a government official, a safety advocate, or a pedestrian, there’s resources for how you can celebrate pedestrian safety this month and all year long! 

Topics covered include:

• Finding and Creating Walkable Communities

• Keeping Your Kids Safe While They Walk

• Walking Safely and Staying Fit as You Age

• Safety Advocates

• Pedestrian Safety Officials

To celebrate National Pedestrian Month, the USDOT is hosting pedestrian safety events throughout October. Upcoming events include:

• October 19, 2023 at 2pm ET – NHTSA is hosting a multimodal informational resource webinar on pedestrian safety with representatives from the USDOT Office of the Secretary, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Panelists will share federal initiatives, programs, and resources communities can use to create safer environments for people to walk.

• October 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET – USDOT will host a webinar to highlight USDOT and National Roadway Safety Strategy Allies in Action efforts and resources that put pedestrian safety first.

• Throughout the entire month of October - The Federal Highway Administration, Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and the USDOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center are hosting a four-part webinar series “Improving Pedestrian Safety on Urban Arterials.” You can view recordings of past webinars.

The USDOT also compiled a list of resources for those interested in promoting pedestrian safety in their communities:

• FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning, Program, and Project Development Guidance

• Safety for All Users Report

• State DOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinators

• PEDBIKESAFE

• Travel Patterns of American Adults with Disabilities

• Success Stories from Mayors' Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets

• Summary Report: DOT Pedestrian and Bicyclist Road Safety Assessments

• U.S. DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and Recommendations

• FARS Data

• FTA Manual on Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections to Transit

• FMCSA Tips for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

• Transportation and Health Tool

• DOT Navigator

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design Flexibility

The Safe Routes Partnership is also celebrating National Pedestrian Safety Month. You can learn from pedestrian safety advocates and their stories:

• Advocating for Child Pedestrian Safety during National Pedestrian Safety Month

• Championing Youth Well-being Through Physical Activity: A Teen’s Perspective during National Pedestrian Safety Month

If you want to learn more about how to become a pedestrian safety advocate in your community and create safe routes for kids to walk to school, join the Safe Routes to Partnership’s Safe Routes to School Summit 2023 from October 24-26. The summit is virtual and community members can register for a discounted price of $25. 

Sessions include:

• An Inside Look: Exploring the Equity E in Safe Routes to School

• Just the Right Fit: Finding Safe Routes Funding Opportunities that Work for Your Community

• Breaking Down the E-Bike Boom: The Latest on Safety, Education, Messaging, and More!

• Taking Back the Streets for Kids: Bike Education and Traffic Gardens

• Youth Voices for Walking, Biking and Transit Use

• And even more!

Most importantly, all road users must learn how to create safe, comfortable experiences for all. Here are tips from the Office of Traffic Safety on how to safely share the road:

Drivers

• Follow the speed limit.

• Slow down at intersections.

• Give pedestrians a brake at crosswalks and unmarked corners.

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks when available.

• Be aware of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

• Be visible. Make it easier for drivers to see you. Be extra careful crossing at night when it is harder to see or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.