Pedestrian Safety Month is celebrated each September in California and the event is spearheaded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
Each year, OTS and its partners raise awareness about the safety risks pedestrians face on the road and the roles each road user can take to ensure those walking can do so safely and comfortably. Based on data projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2023, a projected 5.4% decrease from 2022 but still a 14.1% increase from pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. In California, pedestrian deaths decreased a predicted 12.5% from 2022 to 2023, the largest reduction across all 50 states. Even with numbers decreasing, it’s still important to note that the 1,057 lives that were lost are unacceptable and preventable.
OTS reminds us that we’re all in this together, safety is sharing and safety is caring. Every step counts when it comes to protecting everyone on our roads. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on how we can all help to keep our communities safe:
Safety Tips for People Driving 
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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.
Safety Tips for People Walking
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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.
Pedestrian Safety Resources
Explore our sampling of resources on CATSIP and from traffic safety partners and advocacy organizations throughout the state and beyond!
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Guides and Toolkits: Explore this selection of resources on pedestrian and bicycle facilities, community outreach, and Safe Routes to School from both agencies and community organizations which were developed to promote active transportation safety.
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Equitable Transportation: This selection of resources focus on how planners, community members, and others alike can create more equitable, walkable, and bikeable communities for people of all ages and abilities.
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California Office of Traffic Safety: Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety, Go Safely CA
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Explore our Advocacy Groups Inventory for organizations throughout the state working to make communities safer for walking.
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NHTSA: Pedestrian Safety