Pedestrian Safety
In the next 24 hours, on average, 324 people will be treated in an emergency department for pedestrian-related injuries. Learn what you need to be aware of your surroundings and keep yourself safe.
What's the problem?
Pedestrians-people who travel by foot, wheelchair, stroller, or bicycle-are among the most vulnerable users of the road.
When people and machines coexist, the physics is not in the pedestrian's favor. Distractions or just ignoring the traffic laws are the causes of thousands of fatalities annually. For example, pedestrians and drivers distracted by electronic devices are the cause of thousands of serious injuries and deaths across the country.
If you are a driver you already know how problematic this is. Many states and cities have outlawed the usage of electronic devices while walking in traffic or driving. Driving or walking in traffic requires our total attention.
In the next 24 hours, on average, 324 people will be treated in an emergency department for pedestrian-related injuries. In the next 2 hours, on average, one pedestrian will die from injuries in a traffic crash.
More than 4,800 pedestrians were killed in traffic deaths in 2007, and more than 118,000 were injured.1 With numbers like these, it's critical that you understand the risks and learn how to stay safe.
Who's at risk?
Pedestrians of all ages are at risk of injury or death from traffic crashes, but some people are at higher risk.
- Male pedestrians are more likely to die or be injured in a motor vehicle crash than females.
- Pre-teen, teen, and young adult (ages 10-29 years) pedestrians are more likely to be treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries.
- The risk of a pedestrian dying from a motor vehicle crash generally increases with age.
As pedestrians, children are at even greater risk of injury or death from traffic crashes due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules.
- Children ages 5 to 14 are more likely to die from motor vehicle traffic injuries, including pedestrian injuries, than any other cause.
- Nearly one in five, or about 20 percent, of traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under are pedestrian deaths.
Take Steps for Safety
Whenever you're walking, keep these tips in mind:
- Cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
- Be careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.
- Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing.
- It's safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk in the street, walk
- Never be distracted by using an electronic device while near traffic.
Drivers: Please devote all of your skills and attention to driving your vehicle, especially when around pedestrians. Never use electronic devices while driving. Pull over if the call is urgent. And wear your seatbelt.