October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and there is no better time of the year to raise awareness for safe crosswalk habits and technologies. In this article, we walk through everything you need to know about Pedestrian Safety Month, including why it is so important and all of the ways you can increase pedestrian safety in your community.
Image source: NYMTC
What is Pedestrian Safety Month?
In the United States, the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established National Pedestrian Safety Month in 2020 to raise awareness for pedestrian safety nationwide. The primary objectives of National Pedestrian Safety Month are to make roadways safer for pedestrians in communities throughout the US and to reduce the number of annual pedestrian injuries and deaths related to traffic accidents.
October also marks Pedestrian Safety Month in Canada, with recognition and campaigns from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), and several other organizations nationwide. Although there is no official “International Pedestrian Safety Month” currently established, the United Nations typically observes a Global Road Safety Week in May, which also raises awareness for pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety worldwide.
Why Pedestrian Safety is So Important Right Now
According to the NHTSA, there were 7,522 US pedestrian deaths from motor vehicle accidents in 2022, the highest number in over 40 years. Among these deaths, over three-fourths of incidents occurred at night and nearly one out of every four fatalities involved a hit-and-run driver.
Image source: NHTSA
As the days grow shorter in the first full month of Fall, October is the most important time of the year to spread pedestrian safety awareness. With more people walking around in the dark during the morning and evening hours than in previous months, nearly half of accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles will typically happen between October and January. At the end of this month, Halloween has also been statistically proven to be the most dangerous day for pedestrians in the US, with an even higher relative risk to children celebrating the holiday.
How to Observe National Pedestrian Safety Month
To observe National Pedestrian Safety Month, the NHTSA provides many English and Spanish language graphics, videos, and educational resources, including a comprehensive “social media playbook” to help you make effective waves in your community with hashtags, posting strategies, and messaging templates. Beyond the provided resources, there are also many things you can do, both as a motorist and a pedestrian, to stay safe during National Pedestrian Safety Month this October.
Pedestrian Safety Tips for Motorists
Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially while driving at night, during bad weather conditions, or in a congested area.
Slow down and be prepared to stop at a safe distance from pedestrian crosswalks and never pass a car that is already stopped at a crosswalk.
Obey all traffic laws, including marked speed limits and local bans on using handheld devices, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Exhibit extra caution when backing up anywhere and while driving in school zones, residential neighborhoods, or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Follow road rules and regulations while obeying all pedestrian signs and signals.
Walk on the sidewalk wherever you can. If there is no sidewalk present, walk on the side of the street that faces traffic, at a distance as far from passing vehicles as possible.
Always cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection. When this is not an option, choose a well-lit area with the best possible perspective for traffic and look in all directions before crossing the road. Continue looking for approaching vehicles as you safely make your way across the street.
Watch out for cars exiting driveways, approach intersections with caution, and always be aware of your surroundings when walking on or next to any road.
Wear brightly colored clothing with reflective materials and attempt to make eye contact with drivers whenever you use crosswalks in front of their vehicles to ensure they are aware of your presence.
Increase Pedestrian Safety Year-Round with JSF
In 2022, approximately 16% of US pedestrian traffic deaths (roughly 1,200) occurred at an intersection. JSF Technologies believes this number can be dramatically reduced with increased pedestrian safety awareness and widespread adoption of safer crosswalk technologies, including warning beacons, overhead lighting, LED-embedded stop signs, and more.
To increase pedestrian safety in your community, JSF Technologies provides solutions for every project and budget with a variety of high-quality pedestrian safety products and solutions for individuals, local transportation authorities, and other organizations.
For questions, quotes, and general inquiries during Pedestrian Safety Month or any time of the year, please contact us to learn more.
Comments