From the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office...
While pedestrian safety is important year-round, October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.
Unfortunately, in 2022 there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in crashes in the United States. It is the highest since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. In 2022 there were an estimated 67,336 pedestrians injured in crashes, an 11% increase from 60,579 pedestrians injured in 2021. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in crashes in 2022. In fact, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities and 3% of all people injured in crashes in 2022.
The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to safer, healthier, and cleaner streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.
For many Americans, Halloween is the highlight of October. Drivers should be aware that on Halloween evening, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places. Families will be trick-or-treating with smaller children who may be unaware of surrounding traffic and quick to dart into the street. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
“Walking is one of the best things you can do for both your mental and physical health, and also for the environment,” said Gary Herman, Transportation Safety Manager at the KDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety. “In Kansas, we want to help ensure that our pedestrians are safe on the sidewalks, crossing the street — anywhere that people walk, bike, or roll they should be able to do so without fear or stress. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for pedestrians, slow down, and incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines.”
Use NHTSA's Pedestrian Data Visualization Tool to look up your city or county: https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_PD/Home?%3Aiid=2&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aembed=y