October 3, 2022
Walking the dog, going for a run, or simply picking up the mail makes us all pedestrians at some point during our days. This October marks the third annual National Pedestrian Safety Month, launched in 2020 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It's a great time to reflect on roadway safety and remind Montanans that the responsibility of keeping everyone safe is shared by all travelers. Daylight hours at this time of year are shorter, meaning pedestrian visibility also decreases. NHTSA reports that from September to February, over 30% of pedestrian fatalities nationally occur between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
One annual safety event taking place this month is National Walk & Roll to School Day. Events like this are a great way to get kids moving while teaching safe walking, rolling and bicycling practices. They're also a fun opportunity for kids, their classmates, and even their families to get outside and enjoy active time together. To learn more about how to register your school for National Walk & Roll to School Day, visit the event website.
While fall and winter decrease hours of high visibility for Montanans looking to get out and about, following these reminders will ensure that all travelers can enjoy the journey and reach their destination safely.
Motorists can protect pedestrians by:
- Using extra caution in low-light conditions and bad weather.
- Preparing to slow or stop when pedestrians can be expected, like when entering or turning at a crosswalk, backing out of a driveway, or parking area that intersects a sidewalk, and in school zones.
- Following posted speed limits, staying alert, and avoiding distractions.
- Never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Pedestrians can increase their safety by:
- Walking on sidewalks when available or facing traffic when a sidewalk isn't available.
- Using a flashlight and wearing reflective materials to increase visibility.
- Looking both ways and crossing where drivers expect pedestrians, such as crosswalks or intersections.
- Staying alert and avoiding distractions.
October is a great month to learn about safe behavior for all travelers, as well as continue the year-round focus on Vision Zero and the goal of ending deaths and serious injuries on Montana's roadways. Find more tips and resources
