Pedestrian Fatalities and Pedestrian Safety Month
Pedestrian Fatalities Are Highlighted During Pedestrian Safety Month
October marks Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about pedestrian fatalities and other dangers pedestrians face on streets, sidewalks, and intersections. At Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, our injury lawyers believe every pedestrian deserves safety and visibility. This month offers communities, drivers, and pedestrians the chance to focus on education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.
During Pedestrian Safety Month, state and federal programs aim to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities by encouraging safer behaviors. Pedestrian safety is not just an individual responsibility. It requires cooperation among lawmakers, planners, drivers, and community members.
Why Pedestrian Safety Month Matters
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognize October as Pedestrian Safety Month to highlight risks pedestrians face daily. The month encourages local and state governments to invest in safer streets, crosswalks, and lighting.
Kentucky actively participates through programs like Walk Safe Kentucky and BikeWalk initiatives. Indiana has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. These programs focus on public education, safe walking habits, and infrastructure improvements to avoid pedestrian fatalities.
Communities can take advantage of this month to promote visibility campaigns, pedestrian-friendly design, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws.
National Pedestrian Trends
Federal Statistics on Pedestrian Fatalities
Federal data demonstrate why Pedestrian Safety Month is so important. Many wrongful deaths result from pedestrian accidents. In 2023, 7,314 pedestrians died in traffic crashes nationwide. About 68,000 pedestrian injuries occurred in traffic collisions the same year. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 18% of all traffic deaths.
Alcohol was involved in 46% of pedestrian deaths, and 77% of deaths occurred in darkness. Seventy-four percent of fatalities occurred at midblock locations, not intersections. Urban areas recorded 84% of pedestrian deaths.
Despite advances in vehicle safety technology, pedestrian fatalities continue to rise in many parts of the country. Over the past decade, the number of annual pedestrian deaths has increased from 6,412 in 2019 to more than 7,300 in 2022. So, these numbers highlight the urgent need for awareness campaigns like Pedestrian Safety Month.
Long-Term Trends on Pedestrian Fatalities
Nationally, pedestrian fatalities are increasing faster than overall traffic deaths. This trend emphasizes the need for new strategies. Pedestrian-friendly urban planning, enhanced lighting, and crosswalk improvements remain critical tools in reducing risk. Fortunately, pedestrian Safety Month draws attention to these effective measures.
Kentucky Pedestrian Fatalities and Safety
Statewide Data on Pedestrian Fatalities
Kentucky tracks pedestrian safety through programs like Walk Safe Kentucky and BikeWalk initiatives.
In recent years, Kentucky reported 120 pedestrian deaths in a single year, up from 96 the previous year. The state ranks 10th nationwide for pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents. These numbers underline the importance of public awareness and targeted interventions during Pedestrian Safety Month.
Urban and Rural Differences in Pedestrian Fatalities
Kentucky’s urban areas, including Louisville and Lexington, experience higher pedestrian accidents. In 2023, Lexington, KY reported 20 pedestrian fatalities. Rural areas, while experiencing fewer pedestrian accidents, often see higher fatality rates per crash due to higher vehicle speeds. Pedestrian safety audits help identify dangerous areas and guide infrastructure improvements.
Local Programs
Local programs in Kentucky encourage safe walking behaviors. Campaigns focus on school zones, intersections, and public events. These efforts complement state and federal initiatives and are highlighted during Pedestrian Safety Month.
Indiana Pedestrian Fatalities and Safety
In November of 2022, the Indiana Department of Transportation published the Indiana Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The plan noted the steady increase in Indiana pedestrian deaths from 2016 to 2020 which rose from 77 in 2016 to 99 in 2020. If that trend continues there will be 133 pedestrian fatalities by 2026. By implementing the programs and projects in the SHSP, the number could drop to 98 in 2026.
Strategies to Lower Pedestrian Fatalities
During Pedestrian Safety Month, communities, drivers, and pedestrians can adopt strategies to reduce pedestrian fatality risks. Key strategies include:
- Improve infrastructure: widen sidewalks, install high-visibility crosswalks, and enhance lighting.
- Enforce traffic laws: lower speed limits, require drivers to yield at crosswalks, and monitor high-risk intersections.
- Educate the public: run campaigns for drivers and pedestrians and teach safe walking habits in schools.
- Focus on high-risk locations: audit streets and redesign dangerous corridors.
- Increase visibility: encourage reflective clothing, proper signage, and safer pedestrian crossings.
Implementing these strategies during Pedestrian Safety Month can create lasting improvements that reduce pedestrian fatalities year-round. Infrastructure improvements combined with public education have proven effective in both urban and rural settings.
How Individuals Can Avoid Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian safety is not only a community responsibility. Individual actions matter. Pedestrians should cross at marked crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and remain visible in low-light conditions. Drivers must always remain alert, yield to pedestrians, and avoid distractions. Parents and caregivers can teach children safe walking practices and ensure reflective clothing is worn after dark.
During Pedestrian Safety Month, individuals can participate in local campaigns, volunteer in community safety audits, or simply practice and model safe behavior on streets and sidewalks. These practices can reduce pedestrian deaths.
How Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC Supports Pedestrian Safety
At Stein Whatley Astorino, PLLC, our team of Louisville injury lawyers actively support Pedestrian Safety Month. Our firm shares resources and safety tips for pedestrians and drivers. We encourage the community to learn about programs like Walk Safe Kentucky to amplify public outreach. Our injury firm pushes communities to fix dangerous walking areas and fund pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
We also promote educational campaigns to reduce pedestrian fatalities and personal injury. These initiatives reflect our commitment to safer streets throughout Kentucky, Indiana and nationwide.
Act During Pedestrian Safety Month to Lower Pedestrian Fatalities
Everyone can play a role in reducing pedestrian fatalities. Drivers should slow down, stay attentive, and always yield to pedestrians. Pedestrians should cross streets at designated crossings, stay visible, and remain aware of surroundings. Communities should fund street improvements, conduct audits, and educate the public on pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
October should not only highlight pedestrian risks—it should inspire change. By committing to safety practices now, we can help reduce pedestrian deaths and injuries throughout the year.
Did a Loved One Suffer a Pedestrian Fatality or Injury?
Our accident lawyers fight for the rights of people injured or killed in car accidents and truck accidents across Kentucky and Indiana. If your loved one suffered a pedestrian fatality, protect your family. Defend your family’s rights to recover the full and fair compensation for the loss you suffered. Contact an injury lawyer today for free and confidential case evaluation.
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