Pedestrian Safety Tips and Facts
Recognizing the health and environmental benefits of walking and biking, communities are implementing transportation plans and bike-share programs to support pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, more and more people in the United States are walking or biking to their destinations. Unfortunately, with this increase, there has been a rise in pedestrian and cyclist injuries and fatalities involving motor vehicles.
Know the Facts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
- 6,516 people were killed and over 55,000 were injured in pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes during 2020.
- On average, there was a pedestrian fatality every 1.6 hours and an injury every 7.5 minutes in traffic crashes!
Teen Pedestrians at Risk
With the increase in distractions due to technology, the pedestrian death rate for 12-19 year olds has been on the rise.
- Every hour a teen pedestrian is injured or killed by a car!
- 75% of teen pedestrian deaths occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Most teens who were hit, or almost hit, reported being distracted while crossing the street.
The top distractions are:
- 47% Listening to music
- 20% talking on the phone
- 18% texting
It is important for parents and teens to be aware of the dangers of being distracted while walking and learn to put aside devices and be alert, especially at intersections.
Safety Recommendations
These alarming statistics support the need for pedestrian and cyclist safety education. To lower your risk of being involved in a traffic accident while walking or biking, here are some safety tips from Premier Law Group:
- Be Visible to Drivers
- Wear bright or light-colored clothing and reflective materials.
- Cross the street in a well-lit area when it’s dark.
- Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
- Stand clear of parked cars, bushes, or other obstacles that may prevent drivers from seeing you crossing the street.
- Avoid Dangerous Behaviors
- Walk on sidewalks or the edge of roads. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Look both ways before crossing the road.
- Stay sober. Walking while impaired increases your chance of being hit by a vehicle.
- Be alert to engine noise or back-up signals/lights on vehicles when walking or biking in parking areas.
- Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.
- Be Careful at Crossings
- Use crosswalks or marked intersections.
- Obey traffic signals such as “walk/don’t walk” signs.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
- Watch for turning vehicles; do not assume drivers see you!
Download a high-resolution file of Pedestrian Safety.