October is Pedestrian Safety Month

September 30, 2025

October is Pedestrian Safety Month

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian, which is why pedestrian safety is an essential part of every highway safety communications plan. Below you’ll find facts about pedestrian safety:

7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023, a 4% decrease from the 7,593 pedestrian fatalities in 2022.
68,244 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2023, a 1% increase from 67,341 pedestrians injured in 2022.
On average, a pedestrian died every 72 minutes, and one was injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2023.
18% of all traffic deaths in 2023 were pedestrians, and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes were pedestrians.
17% of the children 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes in 2023 were pedestrians.
70% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2023 were males.
74% of the pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections, 17% occurred at intersections, and the remaining 9% occurred at other locations in 2023.
More pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (77%) than in daylight (19%), dusk (2%), and dawn (2%) in 2023.

Tips for Safer Walking

Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic

● Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals

● Cross streets at crosswalks

● If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic

● Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you

● Stay alert – avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds

● Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking

● Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night

● Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots

● Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult