September 29, 2025
National Pedestrian Safety Month highlights the importance of roadway safety for everyone, whether walking, biking, rolling, or driving. The goal is to encourage greater awareness and cooperation among all road users.
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time when the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the importance of roadway safety for everyone, whether walking, biking, rolling, or driving. The goal is to encourage greater awareness and cooperation among all road users.
According to NHTSA, a pedestrian was killed every 72 minutes in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2023. In the DVRPC region, 119 pedestrians were killed in 2023. The same number of pedestrians were killed in 2024, showing no change for the region. These numbers reflect ongoing challenges in making roads safer for all. Since nearly everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day, efforts to improve safety can have a significant impact. The message this month centers around shared responsibility and the importance of thoughtful, attentive behavior on the road.
NHTSA’s efforts are grounded in the Safe System Approach, which recognizes that while people make mistakes, the transportation system can be designed to prevent those mistakes from resulting in death or serious injury. This approach emphasizes safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, post-crash care, and safer people.
Consider these actions when using the roadway:
- Using extra caution in low-visibility conditions, such as at night or in adverse weather.
- Always drive sober, avoid distractions, and obey speed limits everywhere, especially where pedestrians frequent.
- Drive with extra caution near schools and transit spots, and always drive courteously.
- Always use crosswalks and bike lanes when available.
This message is especially important in October, as Halloween brings increased pedestrian activity, particularly children who may not be aware of traffic dangers. Trick-or-treaters often appear in unexpected places and may move unpredictably, so drivers should slow down and stay alert to prevent crashes.
Creating safer streets is a shared responsibility that goes beyond just one group. Communities, local governments, transportation agencies, and individuals all play a role in eliminating roadway injuries and fatalities. Together, we can build a transportation system that protects everyone, no matter how they travel.
Learn more and find helpful safety tips at NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian and from DVRPC’s Regional Safety Task Force (RSTF).