As a means of improving safety for vulnerable road users, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has deemed October as the inaugural Pedestrian Safety Month.
“With this designation of October as Pedestrian Safety Month, the Department is affirming its commitment to working closely with our state and local partners to make our roads safer for pedestrians,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
During each week in October, the agency will detail dangerous driving behaviors placing pedestrians at risk, in addition to offering ways to enhance pedestrian safety.
The agency has developed resources to aid states and local communities in identifying, addressing, and improving pedestrian safety, including a data visualization tool, safety tips, and social media graphics and messaging.
“At some point in the day, we are all pedestrians – especially right now, when everyone wants to get outside for some fresh air,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens said. “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring pedestrian safety. We must keep working to reduce pedestrian deaths from traffic crashes, and this first-ever Pedestrian Safety Month will help save lives in communities across the country.”
The NHTSA is preparing to conduct its third National Survey on Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors, which officials said is designed to examine how much people are walking and biking, as well as, their understanding of and opinions on traffic laws, infrastructure, and safety.