The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to healthier, quieter, cleaner, and safer streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.

Unfortunately, in 2020 there were 6,516 pedestrians killed in the United States. That is 18 pedestrians a day and 125 pedestrians a week. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes and injured every 10 minutes in traffic crashes in 2020.

Walking is a part of many of our trips each day, and for some it is their primary mode of transportation. October is Pedestrian Safety Month, the goal: to increase awareness around pedestrian safety and remind drivers to watch for pedestrians each and every time they are behind the wheel.

Everyone Is a Pedestrian

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Whether it’s walking to your car, walking to the office, or walking for exercise, everyone deserves to get to their destination safely.

To do this, drivers must:

– Look for pedestrians. Particularly children and teens, who can be less predictable and move more slowly. Be especially careful around schools, residential neighborhoods, and near parks and playgrounds.

– Drive with care. Buckle up, obey speed limits, focus on the driving task, and drive sober. Lives depend on it.

Safe Speeds

Slower speeds save lives. In fact, the chances of a pedestrian surviving a crash rapidly decrease when the vehicle speed is above 30 mph. Follow speed limits – they aren’t suggestions and are designed to keep all road users safe.

Safe Vehicles

Most vehicles on our roads include safety technologies like air bags and seat belts designed to keep occupants safe. However, newer vehicles also include technology that keeps other vulnerable road users, like pedestrians, safe.

Technologies such as pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear backup cameras, and better headlights for identifying pedestrians at night are just some of the technologies keeping pedestrians and others outside the vehicle safe.

Safe Roads

Roadways designed to safely accommodate road users provide a solid foundation for use of emerging vehicle technologies and actively encourage safe behaviors among drivers and other road users. Learn more about safe roads from the Federal Highway Administration.