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October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, which the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes by highlighting 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. This year, from October 1-8, Week Without Driving will kick off National Pedestrian Safety Month.

According to NHTSA, in the United States, pedestrian fatalities accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2024, with a pedestrian life lost in a traffic crash every 74 minutes. In the DVRPC region, 121 pedestrians were killed in 2024. In 2025, 106 pedestrians were killed, a reduction of 15 fatalities from the previous year. Thoughtful, attentive behavior on the road is a shared responsibility. The NHTSA encourages drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians, and to remember that nearly everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day.

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 the need for safer roads, safer road users, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and post-crash care.

“I like to think of walking as the original mode, yet decades of infrastructure decisions have rendered it an alternative to driving. But that is changing, and DVRPC recognizes its local, state, and federal partners working to advance roadway designs that make walking and biking safer for everyone,” said Kevin Murphy, senior manager of DVRPC’s Office of Safe Streets. “This month, DVRPC joins NHTSA in urging drivers to incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines.”

Consider these driving tips to keep all roadway users safe and treat every month like it’s National Pedestrian Safety Month: 

• Use extra caution when driving in low-visibility conditions, such as at night or in adverse weather.
• Always drive sober, stop for pedestrians, and obey speed limits, especially in areas pedestrians frequent.
• Drive with extra caution near schools, transit spots, and neighborhoods where children are present. 

These tips are especially relevant in October, as Halloween brings increased pedestrian activity. Trick-or-treaters, particularly children, often appear in unexpected places and may move unpredictably, so drivers should slow down and stay alert to prevent crashes and keep the roadway safe.

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).