Is October the Most Dangerous Month for Pedestrians? What Drivers and Walkers Need to Know

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

Because October is one of the deadliest months of the year for pedestrians, it was designated National Pedestrian Safety Month by the U.S. Department of Transportation3 and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)4. Since 2015, more Michigan pedestrians have been killed or seriously injured by motor vehicles in October than in any other month.

One reason is that earlier sunsets make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians walking on roads or crossing streets. In addition, many fall activities take place in the weeks leading up to Halloween, including football games and other events where participants are likely to consume alcohol before walking or driving home or to the next destination.

Why Has Walking Become So Dangerous?

During the decade spanning 2009 – 2019, pedestrian fatalities rose 53%, according to NHTSA data1. This deadly trend has been attributed to a variety of factors, including the growing popularity of SUVs. A pedestrian is more likely to be killed or severely injured by one of these vehicles, due to their size, weight and high front-end profile.

Another reason for the surge in pedestrian deaths is the growing number of drivers distracted by cell phones, GPS systems and other activities that take attention away from the road. Since 2016, the number of fatal crashes involving cell phones rose 87.5%, while non-fatal cell phone-related accidents rose 48%. Moreover, the danger is compounded by distracted pedestrians looking down at their phones or listening intently to headphones while crossing the street.

However, the above factors do not account for the major increase in fatal pedestrian accidents during a year when traffic was lighter than normal. Rather, these deaths represent one of many tragic and unexpected consequences of the pandemic. Reports from law enforcement and traffic safety experts showed more drivers engaging in risky and reckless behaviors such as road rage, excessive speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol during 2020 than in previous years.

Who is responsible for a pedestrian car accident? Find out here.

Road Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

Below is a compilation of tips from the NHTSA to help pedestrians and drivers stay safe during October and throughout the year.

Tips for Pedestrians

Obey traffic signs and signals
Use sidewalks whenever possible
When there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic
Avoid distractions such as cell phones or headphones when walking on a road or crossing the street
Use crosswalks or cross at intersections when possible\
If you have to cross in the middle of a road, look in both directions and wait until there is enough space between cars to cross safely
Never cross against a light or signal, even if traffic is clear
Never assume a driver sees you; make eye contact when possible or let the car go first
When walking at night, wear reflective accessories and carry a flashlight
Watch for cars entering or backing down driveways
Learn the local rules for crosswalks and tread carefully even if you have the legal right of way

To learn more about Michigan crosswalk laws, click here.

Tips for Drivers

Make it a habit to watch for pedestrians at all times
Use extra caution whenever visibility is low, including at night and when driving through fog, rain or other hazardous conditions
Allow additional stopping time when roads are wet or icy
Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching a crosswalk
When making a right turn, watch for pedestrians crossing the street you are turning onto
Obey the rules of the road, including speed limits and traffic signs and signals
Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
When driving in school zones, follow the slower speed limits specified for certain hours
Drive 25mph or less in neighborhoods with children and pets
When backing up in parking lots or driveways, make sure no one is walking behind your car

PUT OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY

Even the most careful drivers - and pedestrians - can be involved in an accident. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, we can help. The knowledgeable attorneys at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm know what it takes to win, and we have the expertise and resources to make sure our clients and their families receive the compensation they deserve.

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