The interaction of motor vehicles with pedestrians on city streets, rural roadways and, at times, on busy highways all too often has serious consequences. According to data projections by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,485 people were struck and killed by a vehicle in the U.S. in 2021, an 11.5% increase over 2020 and the largest number of pedestrian fatalities in four decades.

October marks National Pedestrian Safety Month, first launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2021 to increase awareness about pedestrian safety. As a professional driver, you can help decrease the likelihood of being involved in a pedestrian-vehicle collision and contribute to keeping those who walk safe by practicing these pedestrian safety rules: 

• Start safely. Get plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle you are driving, especially if you operate a different type or model daily. Know your route and directions, and identify areas where you will likely encounter pedestrian activity. Clean your headlights, windshield, windows, and mirrors thoroughly, and check mirror settings for maximum visibility.

• Consider driving conditions. Weather and road conditions will affect your stopping distance, which means it will take more time and distance to stop should a pedestrian suddenly step out into the street. Therefore, adjust your speed accordingly. Also keep in mind that poor conditions and lighting can diminish your ability to see. Use extra caution and reduce your speed when visibility is reduced.

• Eliminate distractions. Spotting pedestrians demands your full attention. So, whether it’s adjusting the vehicle’s temperature, eating or talking to a passenger, wait until you’re safely pulled off the road to take care of these tasks. And, while there are multiple benefits to the use of telematic systems in vehicles, some drivers may find the alerts, beeps and lights distracting. Work with your company to ensure that the implementation of any telematic devices doesn’t degrade your ability to drive safely.

• Keep your eyes moving. Scan for the movement of pedestrians on the street and sidewalk, coming out of driveways, exiting vehicles, and from behind parked cars and other obstructions. Be mindful that walkers, especially children, can easily be hidden from view.

• Approach intersections with care. Glance at both sides of the street as you approach an intersection, slow down, cover the brake, and be prepared to come to a full stop. Make eye contact with pedestrians, give them the right of way and wait until they have crossed and are clear of your vehicle before you proceed. Look several times before turning as pedestrians are easy to miss when they’re in your blind spots. Importantly, do not attempt a turn if you cannot do so safely using the available space. Instead, select an alternate route.

• Do not block crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Having to go around your vehicle puts pedestrians in the path of moving traffic. Avoid honking the horn or revving your engine when pedestrians are in front of your vehicle in a crosswalk.

• Remain vigilant. Although intersections are high risk places for pedestrians, also keep an eye out in heavily congested areas, along the shoulder of the road, in parking lots, when pulling out of alleys and driveways, and when backing up. Remember, children often run into the street without looking and without warning. Pay extra attention in school zones and residential areas, as well as near playgrounds and parks.

• Do not overtake and pass any vehicle stopped at an intersection or crosswalk for pedestrians. When you stop for someone in a crosswalk, stop well back so that other drivers can also see the pedestrian as he or she is crossing the roadway.

• Pay special attention to pedestrians using hand-held devices and/or wearing headphones. When using such devices, pedestrians can be easily distracted. They typically walk slower and are more likely to ignore traffic lights or neglect to look both ways before crossing the road. Headphones can also make pedestrians oblivious to the sounds of danger. Watch for clues to their intended actions.

• Be patient with elderly and disabled people. Seniors and those with physical disabilities may require more time to cross the street.

• Keep your guard up. Watch for pedestrians as you navigate in and around special hazards such as toll booths, work zones, vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and police activities. These are definitely times for you to exercise courtesy to pedestrians.

With pedestrian fatalities at a crisis level, it’s time for all motorists to step up their efforts to enhance pedestrian safety. By exercising caution and extending some common courtesy when sharing the road with pedestrians, you can help protect walkers during Pedestrian Safety Month and all year long.