NYS DMV: October is Pedestrian Safety Month

‘See! ‘Bee seen!’ That is the latest slogan New York officials are pushing for Pedestrian Safety Month.

In 2024, there were nearly 15,000 incidents statewide involving pedestrians, with over 14,000 of those cases involving some sort of injury and 289 resulting in fatalities.

"Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roadways, and an average of 300 lose their lives in crashes yearly in just our state alone," said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the GTSC Mark J.F. Schroeder.

By comparison, 2023 data shows there were 14,651 pedestrian-involved crashes, of which 307 resulted in a fatality and 14,098 resulting in an injury.

Such data is collected and analyzed by the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research.

"All drivers should watch for pedestrians and share the road, and pedestrians should follow the rules of the road and make themselves as visible as possible. We want everyone to reach their destination safely," Schroeder added.

A statewide pedestrian safety enforcement effort is underway through October 19. Officials say there are key things both drivers and pedestrians can do to help avoid senseless injuries and deaths:

Tips for Drivers: See!

1. YIELD for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections – it’s the law.
2. Do not block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.
3. Slow down and obey posted speed limits.
4. Take extra care around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.
5. Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a “right turn on red.”
6. Never run red lights.
7. Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They might be stopping for pedestrians.
8. Pay attention! Do not text and drive!

Tips for Pedestrians: Be Seen!

1. Cross in marked crosswalks and at intersections.
2. Use pedestrian push buttons and wait for signals to cross.
3. Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
4. Use sidewalks. If there are none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles and drivers see you.
5. Pay attention! Don’t text while crossing!
6. Make eye contact with drivers so they see you.
7. Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored or reflective clothing.
8. Don’t step suddenly in front of traffic. Buses and trucks take even longer to stop than other vehicles.
9. Watch out for vehicles backing out of parking spaces and driveways.

NYS DMV image.