October is recognized as Pedestrian Safety Month by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This annual observance serves as an important reminder of the shared responsibility we all carry to keep people safe when walking.
Pedestrian crashes remain a serious concern across the nation. In 2023, a pedestrian lost their life every 72 minutes in traffic crashes. Whether walking to school, commuting to work, or simply taking a daily stroll, people deserve to travel safely and confidently in their communities. Pedestrian Safety Month offers a chance to highlight best practices, raise awareness, and promote safe behaviors for both drivers and pedestrians. It also reinforces the need for thoughtful transportation planning that prioritizes people as much as vehicles.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Follow traffic signs and signals.
- Use sidewalks when available. If there is not a sidewalk available, walk facing traffic and stay as far away as possible.
- Cross at crosswalks or intersections, looking carefully for turning vehicles. If there is not a crosswalk nearby, choose a well-lit spot with good visibility and cross only when it’s safe.
- Stay alert for cars entering driveways, alleys, or parking lots.
- Avoid walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Always watch for pedestrians and check blind spots carefully.
- Use extra caution in low-visibility conditions like nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be ready to stop when approaching or turning into crosswalks.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Someone may be crossing out of sight.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Obey speed limits, especially in neighborhoods, school zones, and areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Stay alert when backing up and watch for pedestrians, especially children.
Moving Forward Together
Pedestrian Safety Month reminds us that safe streets are a shared responsibility. Each of us can play a role by slowing down, staying alert, and making safer choices, whether we are walking or driving. At Sain Associates, we partner with cities, counties, and neighborhoods to design transportation systems that prioritize people through thoughtful planning, engineering, and roadway improvements.
This October, we encourage you to join in the effort—practice safe habits, support local safety initiatives, and advocate for transportation planning that protects lives. Together, we can create safer, more connected communities where everyone can walk, bike, and travel with confidence.