ALEA participates in National Pedestrian Safety Month: Drivers urged to stay alert, slow down
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Special to the News
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind drivers to stay alert and look out for pedestrians, because every step matters.
In 2024, Alabama experienced a tragic toll on its roads: 620 pedestrians were injured, and 120 lost their lives in traffic-related incidents.
According to Drive Safe Alabama, since 2015, pedestrian fatalities in the state have increased by approximately 22%, with a significant contributing factor being distracted walking, particularly involving electronic devices.
“Every driver in Alabama shares the road with pedestrians to include children walking to school, parents crossing busy intersections, joggers, and citizens commuting on foot. Their safety depends on your vigilance behind the wheel,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “As we recognize National Pedestrian Safety Month, we encourage all Alabamians to slow down, eliminate distractions and watch for those on foot.”
According to NHTSA, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in 2023 nationwide – accounting for 18% of all traffic fatalities. Tragically, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in the United States.
“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and it starts with paying attention – from both drivers and those on foot,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). “As Halloween approaches, we’re especially urging caution. Children and families will be out after dark, often in areas where they might not typically be seen. We all must do our part.”
ALEA is emphasizing the following safety reminders from NHTSA to help protect pedestrians across Alabama:
- Slow down, especially in neighborhoods, near schools and in urban areas.
- Use extra caution in low-visibility conditions – 77% of U.S. pedestrian fatalities in 2023
occurred at night.
- Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
- Be vigilant in areas where pedestrians may be hard to see, especially at intersections and
driveways.
- Never drive impaired. Alcohol was a factor in 46% of fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023.
As Halloween and fall festivities approach, ALEA reminds drivers that pedestrian traffic increases, particularly at dusk and into the evening. Children may be wearing costumes that make them less visible or could dart into the roadway unexpectedly. Drivers are urged to stay alert, avoid distractions and reduce speeds in residential areas.
For more information and resources on pedestrian safety, visit NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian.
Data analysis for the Alabama Crash Facts report published by Drive Safe Alabama is compiled by the Center for Advanced Public Safety at The University of Alabama using crash data provided by ALEA, as well as local law enforcement agencies statewide. Data is not limited to trooper-investigated crashes.
