October is “National Pedestrian Safety Month” highlighting pedestrian safety and driver awareness

Walking promotes physical health as well as economic and environmental health. Combining these benefits with a safe system approach that emphasizes overall traffic safety is the focus of National Pedestrian Safety Month, which takes place each October. The national safety campaign is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Nationwide, a pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes and injured every 10 minutes in traffic crashes in 2020, according to NHTSA.

“That adds up to 6,516 lives lost across the country, which creates a widespread impact on families, businesses and communities,” said Chris Bortz, KDOT Transportation Safety Assistant Bureau Chief. “Pedestrian safety must be a priority at all times for travelers.”

Communities are encouraged to support and promote National Pedestrian Safety Month. The NHTSA Walkability Checklist helps communities identify and improve walking areas and has a comprehensive 2022 Resource Guide available.

In addition, information will be available on KDOT’s social media websites throughout October that highlights pedestrian safety regarding behaviors, speeds, roads and vehicles as well as post-crash care.