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.

JSF Technologies is a leading manufacturer and supplier within the global transportation industry, specializing in the development and provision of intelligent signalling devices and illumination systems that make our roads not just safer but also a whole lot smarter. With over two decades of experience, we've become the go-to partner for transportation authorities, municipalities, urban planners, airports, seaports, military installations, and private organizations around the globe. OUR CORE VALUES , at JSF Technologies, we're all about excellence, innovation, and quality . These three pillars drive everything we do. OUR MISSION: is to improve the transportation industry by leveraging advanced technologies to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation networks. Eco-Friendly and Energy-Saving Solutions. We're huge fans of sustainability! Our energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions, like solar-powered signalling and illumination systems , are designed to slash energy consumption and reduce carbon footprints. Picture bright, reliable lights powered by the sun – it's a win for your budget and Mother Earth! TRANSPORTATION SAFETY SOLUTIONS & PRODUCTS CROSSWALK BEACONS & ILLUMINATION SYSTEMS Crosswalk and Illumination Systems are purpose-built traffic safety solutions designed to enhance pedestrian safety by improving pedestrian visibility and increasing awareness among motorists. WARNING BEACONS & STOP SIGN SOLUTIONS Warning beacons and LED embedded signs are key safety tools for diverse roadway applications, greatly improving visibility and compliance of regulatory and warning signage. SCHOOL ZONE BEACONS & SIGNS Incorporating School Zone Beacons and LED Embedded Signs into school zones is a strategic and effective approach to enhance safety for students, pedestrians, and drivers. ADVANCE WARNING & NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Advanced warning solutions for roads and highways are critical components of traffic safety strategies. These solutions aim to alert drivers well in advance of potential hazards or changes in road conditions, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring smoother traffic flow. TRAFFIC CALMING & SPEED REDUCTION Traffic calming measures, including the use of Flashing Beacons and LED Embedded Signs, are proven and effective methods for reducing speeds and improving safety for all roadway users. Traffic calming include crosswalk and pathway lighting and connected beacons and LED embedded signs. Join Us on Our Journey Thank you for joining us on an exciting journey towards a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future. At JSF Technologies, we're not just dreaming about the future – we're building it. Keep an eye out for more updates, innovations, and insights from the trailblazers in transportation safety. Contact Us: JSF Technologies https://www.jsftechnologies.com sales@jsftech.com 1.800.990.2454  Let's revolutionize transportation together!

Watch our latest YouTube video with Applied Information and how JSF Technologies intelligent school beacons seamlessly connect with our Glance platform, allowing Traffic Supervisors to easily monitor and maintain their beacons. Administrators can create multiple schedules for a variety of situations, save templates and more. What we do We develop intelligent traffic and illumination systems that are anything but static helping Improving Pedestrian Safety. Unlike conventional signs and warnings, our systems offer heightened awareness and real-time responsiveness. From design and engineering to assembly and manufacturing, everything is done in-house. This allows us to ensure high-quality, future-proof equipment tailored to the needs of our clients. Partnering for Progress To stay at the forefront of technology, we collaborate with strategic partners like Applied Information to design and deliver cutting-edge intelligent transportation solutions to cities and communities around the world. The Importance of Safety Visual cues are crucial for road safety. A flashing light, for example, can alert drivers to slow down, especially in areas where high speeds can be dangerous. Statistically, speeds over 50 km/h increase the risk of fatal accidents, while zones around schools, typically marked at 30 km/h, are designed to be safer. Our programmable beacons are designed to enhance safety at peak traffic times. You can schedule them to turn on and off according to traffic patterns, ensuring that warnings are most effective when needed. This feature is essential for managing traffic flow and preventing accidents. Support and Reliability - Improving Pedestrian Safety We understand that technology needs to be reliable. That's why we offer comprehensive tech support for all adjustments and troubleshooting. Our goal is to reduce accidents and enhance safety through dependable systems and excellent customer service. Our Mission Our mission is simple: to keep pedestrians safe. Although we’re a large operation, we started from humble beginnings and continue to operate with the same dedication to safety and innovation that fueled our growth. Join Us on Our Journey Thank you for joining us on an exciting journey towards a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future. Contact Us: JSF Technologies https://www.jsftechnologies.com sales@jsftech.com 1.800.990.2454