After Pedestrian Safety Month

October has been Pedestrian Safety Month with this year’s theme being “Everyone is a Pedestrian.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) puts emphasis on this month each year to raise awareness of the dangers to pedestrians while also providing tips to help keep pedestrians safe. As we round out the month we simply want to consider some key takeaways and think about how to keep pedestrians safe with the influx of traffic during the holiday season – which is quickly approaching!

As noted by the United States Department of Transportation, the personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to healthier, quieter, cleaner, and safer streets. Walking can improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement. In fact, earlier this month on Walk To School Day, there was over 2,262 events registered nationwide!

NHTSA is dedicated to promoting safe behaviors on all roads, as such, they have established a pedestrian safety program that focuses on the safe system approach and have five main components: Safe People, Safe Speeds, Safe Roads, Safe Vehicles, and Post-Crash Care.

As you’ve probably come to realize, there wouldn’t be a month dedicated to Pedestrian Safety if there weren’t harrowing statistics around the issue. Here are some Pedestrian Safety Facts to be aware of:

• There were 6,516 pedestrians killed in the U.S. in 2020, which equates to 18 deaths per day.
• Pedestrian deaths accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2020.
• An estimated 54,679 pedestrians were injured in 2020, which is a 28% decreased from 2019.
• Alcohol was a factor in 47% of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
• Pedestrian fatalities by time of day: in the dark (77%), daylight (20%), dusk (2%) and dawn (2%).

At I’m Safe!, we offer a variety of Pedestrian Safety products! From Walk Safely Stickers to Customized Bike-Pedestrian Safety Lights & Cards to Activity Coloring Books, I’m Safe has the program essentials you need to assist your Pedestrian Safety initiatives this month and beyond. Are you in the business of protecting children from preventable injuries, interested in predator-proofing our youth, or looking to provide innovative, community-centered injury-prevention programming? Contact us today.