NHTSA Dedicates October to Pedestrian Safety
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designated the month of October as its inaugural National Pedestrian Safety Month. The move was made due to the increase in pedestrian deaths across the country.
October was chosen because it is the month during which Daylight Saving Time ends and the hours of darkness increase. When the nights are longer, the risks for pedestrian accidents increase. From the months of September through February, more than thirty percent of fatal pedestrian accidents happen between 6:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.
Recent Pedestrian Fatalities in Northern California
Recently, there have been a number of fatal pedestrian accidents throughout Northern California that we have reported on. See the following stories from accidents that occurred just within the past month:
- Auburn, California Fatal Pedestrian Accident
- Mare Island, California – Pedestrian Struck and Killed
- Double Fatal Pedestrian Accident Near Brentwood, California
NHTSA Issues Safety Reminders
In recognition of the October awareness campaign, the NHTSA has issued a number of safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.
5 Safety Reminders for Pedestrians
- Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks where you are walking, keep as far away from traffic as possible and walk facing oncoming traffic.
- At all times, stay alert. Do not allow distractions such as looking at your electronic device or listening to loud music. Keep your eyes and ears focused on your surroundings.
- Cross the street using a crosswalk or at an intersection whenever possible. Motorists are more apt to expect pedestrians in these areas, which makes crossing safer. If neither is available, find a well-lighted area where you are most visible to traffic and where you can get a good view of traffic in all directions. Give yourself more of a gap in traffic than you think is necessary before you begin to cross.
- Increase your visibility. Wear bright or reflective clothing. At night, carry a flashlight.
- Never make the assumption that motorists can see you. Make sure you are seen by making eye contact with the driver before you begin to cross. Use extra caution near driveways and in parking lots where drivers are often in reverse and more distracted.
5 Safety Reminders for Motorists
- No matter where you are, be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times. Be extra careful in adverse weather conditions or when there is reduced visibility.
- Reduce your speed and be prepared to come to a stop when turning into or otherwise traveling into a crosswalk. Never pass cars stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be pedestrians that you cannot see that are crossing.
- Always yield to people within a crosswalk. Stop well before the crosswalk so that other vehicles behind you can have a better opportunity to see that there are pedestrians and to stop in time.
- Obey speed limits. Be especially aware of lower speed limits near schools and in neighborhoods.
- When traveling in reverse, be super careful. Backover accidents are common when pedestrians unknowingly walk behind your vehicle.
The NHTSA wants to remind us all to work to keep everyone safe on the roads, not just this October, but throughout the year.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a clip showing the launch of the 2020 National campaign.
Accident Attorneys in California
Hello. Thanks for reading our legal blog. I’m Ed Smith, a Redding, California personal injury attorney. Every day we hear about auto accidents on our local roads that cause injuries and wrongful deaths. There is human suffering behind each such headline. When you have been injured due to the negligence of another, there may be legal action you can take. Retaining an experienced legal advocate means that you focus on healing rather than talking with insurance adjusters. For close to four decades, our injury lawyers have worked on behalf of Redding residents. If you would like to receive free and friendly legal advice after an accident, call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, reach out to us online.
Photo: by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash
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