October is Pedestrian Safety Month
NHTSA and Acadiana Regional Transportation Safety Coalition Remind Motorists: Obey the Posted Speed Limit
Lafayette, LA — NHTSA has designated October 2020 as the first-ever national pedestrian safety month. Over the past decade, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased. USDOT and local and state safety partners work year-round to reduce these deaths, educate all road users on pedestrian safety, and remind us that at one time or another — everyone is a pedestrian — especially now as more people are walking. In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Highway Administration and local partners will increase traffic safety awareness for pedestrians and drivers.
In a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is far more likely to be killed or injured. It is important to remember that children are often the smallest pedestrians, making them harder to see. Additionally, younger children may dart into intersections without understanding the dangers. For this reason, Ron Czjakowski, Regional Safety Coordinator, is reminding drivers to watch out for pedestrians. While there are many actions that pedestrians can take to stay safe, there are more actions that only the driver can take — such as obeying the posted speed limit.
“Following the speed limit isn’t just the law — it is a critical component to keeping pedestrians safe,” said Ron Czjakowski. Driving at the posted speed limit provides the driver time to “see, identify, and react” in time to brake for pedestrians. When a driver sees something ahead, he or she can slow down and identify the object. Because the driver can see and identify, he or she is able to react by applying the brakes. When a driver speeds, it increases reaction time, greatly increasing the likelihood the driver could hit the pedestrian.
According to the U. S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018 nearly three quarters (74%) of pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections. If you are speeding, pedestrians can seem to “come out of nowhere.” This is especially true in neighborhoods and around schools. Even if you are going 35 mph in a 20-mph zone, it increases your vehicle’s stopping distance by more than 100 feet. In those few seconds, your vehicle will travel the length of a basketball court, and it could be too late to avoid hitting the pedestrian in front of you.
Know the Basics—Pedestrian Safety 10 Walking Safety Tips
1. Be predictable. 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. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
6. 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.
7. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
9 Driving Safety Tips
1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
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 cross-walk 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 that 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.
8. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.