Federal Report Shows Increase in Pedestrian Deaths

A new report produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that pedestrian deaths increased by 3% from 2010 to 2011, making up 14% of all traffic fatalities.  

The report shows that 73% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in an urban setting versus a rural setting. Over two-thirds (70%) of pedestrian fatalities occurred at non-intersections versus at intersections. Eighty-eight percent of  pedestrian fatalities occurred during normal weather conditions compared to rain, snow and foggy conditions. A majority of the pedestrian fatalities, 70 percent, occurred during the nighttime (6 p.m. – 5:59 a.m). Between  2010 and 2011 all these percentages stayed relatively level.

Connecticut's rate is slightly better than the national average, at 11.8%.  But still, that's 11.8% too high.  

The NHSTA report shows 220 traffic fatalities in Connecticut in 2011, with 26 of them being pedestrians.

For more information, see NHTSA's 2011 Traffic Data Fact Sheet and Everyone's A Pedestrian, the federal government's new a one-stop shop for safety tips and resources for local leaders, city planners, parents and others involved in improving pedestrian safety.

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NHTSA's Important Safety Reminders

For Pedestrians:

• Walk on a sidewalk or path whenever they are available.
  
• If there is no sidewalk or path available, walk facing traffic (on the left side of the  road) on the shoulder, as far away from traffic as possible. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including radios, smart phones and other devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road environment.
  
• Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you (he or she could be distracted, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or just not seeing you). Try to make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
  
• Be predictable as a pedestrian. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
  
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
• Stay off of freeways, restricted-access highways and other pedestrian-prohibited roadways.
  
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flash light at night.
  
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and judgment too.
  

For Drivers:

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Very often pedestrians are not walking where they should be.
  
• Be especially vigilant for pedestrians in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather.
  
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They are stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  
• Follow the speed limit, especially around pedestrians.
  
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where there are children present.

— NHTSA’s Safety Countermeasures Division