This month, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is sponsoring its first-ever National Pedestrian Safety Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6,000 pedestrians are killed and another 137,000 receive emergency medical treatment for crash-related injuries every year. This National Pedestrian Safety Month take a moment to learn more about how to protect pedestrians, which the DOT calls the most “vulnerable road users.”
Traffic levels have decreased in recent months, which means that more people are opting to go out for walks instead of drives. On average, one pedestrian dies in a deadly accident every 88 minutes. The CDC reports several risk factors known to contribute to nonfatal and fatal pedestrian accidents alike, including:
Knowing the risk factors that contribute to fatal and serious pedestrian accidents is not enough to make a positive impact. For the month of October, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is hosting weekly sessions on dangerous driving behaviors that endanger pedestrians. The agency will be discussing ways to improve pedestrian safety through safety tips, visualization tools, and various social media outreach campaigns. The NHTSA will also be conducting its third annual survey on Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors. The findings from this nationwide study will be used to create effective public policies that prioritize pedestrian safety in addition to the safety of other vulnerable road users.
Drivers and pedestrians can both take precautions to help others stay safe on the roads. Pedestrians who are out walking at night or in heavily trafficked areas should increase their visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Pedestrians should cross at designated crossings or intersections whenever it is possible. If a sidewalk or path is not available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic. Another precaution that pedestrians (and drivers) can take is to avoid distractions like the use of electronic devices or earbuds, which can increase the chance of a collision happening.
Drivers should always keep an eye out for pedestrians – but they should be particularly mindful in dense urban areas, near parks, and in school zones. Drivers should also prepare to slow down or come to a complete stop near crosswalks and at traffic lights. Some other ways that drivers can do their part to keep pedestrians safe include:
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