Pedestrian Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), in 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide.¹ Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high.¹

At one time or another everyone is a pedestrian.¹ In 2020, a pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes in a traffic crash.¹ All drivers who maintain safe traffic safety practices such as safe speed, and safe driving behaviors creates a safe walking environment for you, your loved ones, and others in your community.¹

There are 8 basic safety trips for drivers:

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

8 walking safety tips

1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
6. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
8. Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation-get up, get out and get moving.

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There is a checklist to rate your neighborhood’s walkability
with your family. Check it out here.

There are several guides and advocacy resources for pedestrian safety for further information check out Safety Advocates at NHTSA for a full list.

Visit the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) site for further information.

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