October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. To celebrate this safety awareness month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians.

in 2022 there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, a 0.7-percent increase from the 7,470 pedestrian fatalities in 2021. It is the highest since 1981 when 7,837 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. In 2022 there were an estimated 67,336 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes, an 11-percent increase from 60,579 pedestrians injured in 2021. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2022. In fact, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2022.

The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to safer, healthier, and cleaner streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.

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

Traffic Safety Youth and Community Engagement

In our commitment to educate younger generations, the Planning & Development Department developed a coloring and activity book that teaches children about traffic safety. One page of the book is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and empowering children to encourage their parents to adopt safer driving habits. This year, we are supporting the Houston Police Department by sharing this video Houston Fire Department - Safety and Public Education - Texting Distracts. Watch The Road! (houstontx.gov) to create awareness in the youth community.

In collaboration with AAA, we premiered the documentary SIDETRACKED, (SIDETRACKED - The Brutal Realities of Distracted Driving - YouTube) which sheds light on the consequences of distracted driving. This powerful initiative aims to educate and engage our employees to be an example on the roads and also the public in general, emphasizing the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.

Together, let us work towards our vision of ensuring that everyone arrives home safely at the end of each day.