October: Halloween and Pedestrian Safety Month
As we approach the end of Pedestrian Safety Month, it’s important to remember that the focus on pedestrian safety doesn’t stop here. Although the month’s campaign is wrapping up soon, the significance of protecting those on foot continues year-round. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users, and as daylight saving time ends, on November 3, diminishing daylight and adjusted darker evening hours will increase the risk for pedestrians, particularly during early morning or evening commutes. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) CrashStats “More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) than in daylight (20%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2021.” Source
National agencies like the NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) emphasize the importance of both drivers and pedestrians playing their part. In particular:
- drivers must slow down and be extra mindful at crosswalks
- pedestrians must stay alert and only use marked locations to cross the street
Additionally, as daylight hours grow shorter, staying visible becomes increasingly important. One simple yet effective way to improve your safety as a pedestrian is to wear reflective clothing, or reflective gear such as arm bands or clips. As an example, Illuminite has a wide variety of reflective gear, for both you, your family and your furry ones. With fall here and winter rapidly approaching, it’s crucial that we all take extra steps to stay visible. Reflective gear significantly enhances your visibility, allowing drivers to spot you earlier. And with Halloween upon us, themed reflective gear such as these reflective skeleton gloves, or a reflective skeleton vest for Fido can make the trick-or-treat outing safer. Be seen, be safe and perhaps be a little bit scary this winter!
Learn more about resources for Pedestrian Safety
Incorporating frameworks and initiateives like the Safe Systems Approach and Vision Zero, which aim to eliminate crash-related injuries and deaths, ensures that both drivers and pedestrians are part of the solution. Learn more information about these initiatives below:
- NHTSA Pedestrian Safety
- Vision Zero Network
- FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
- San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG)
At some point, all of us are pedestrians. Whether we’re walking to the store, to work, or for leisure, staying safe is a shared responsibility. Let’s continue to prioritize pedestrian safety—year-round!
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Vision Zero and safe systems approach. NHTSA, FHWA