NWBRHC

NORTHWEST BERGEN REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION

Health and Safety ·

Safer Drivers Save Lives

Dear Residents,

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. As such, the Northwest Bergen Region Health Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urge drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians. While pedestrian safety is important year-round, National Pedestrian Safety Month is a timely reminder.

Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community. Unfortunately, in 2022 there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes.  It is the highest since 1981, when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2022. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2022.

For many Americans, Halloween is the highlight of October. Drivers should be aware that more pedestrians will likely be on the roads and in unexpected places on Halloween evening. Families will trick-or-treat with smaller children who may be unaware of surrounding traffic and quick to dart into the street.

Remember: Slower speeds save lives!

8 Safety Tips for Drivers

  • Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
  • Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
  • Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to allow other vehicles to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop, too.
  • Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  • Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
  • Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

8 Safety Tips for Walkers

  • Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from traffic as possible.
  • Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
  • If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic.
  • Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
  • Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
  • Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation – get up, get out, and get moving.


For more information about pedestrian safety, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety.

Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov

Take care and be well,

NWBRHC Staff