Each year, tens of thousands of pedestrians are injured, and thousands more are killed in traffic crashes across the U.S.
In response to these alarming statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designated October as National Pedestrian Safety Month in 2021. This campaign raises awareness about pedestrian safety and encourages responsible driving behaviors.
As a professional driver, you play a critical role in preventing pedestrian-vehicle collisions. The following best practices can help protect our most vulnerable road users:
Start off safely. Before every trip, make sure you are well rested and mentally prepared to drive. Plan your route, identifying areas where you will likely encounter pedestrians, so you can anticipate potential hazards.
Get your vehicle ready for the road. Perform a pre-trip inspection as required by law, and clean your headlights, mirrors, windshield, and windows. Keep the dashboard clear; items obstructing the defroster vents can cause the windshield to fog, reducing visibility and compromising pedestrian safety. Also, verify all safety features, like blind-spot sensors and backup cameras, are working properly. A mechanically sound vehicle enhances driver responsiveness, a key factor in avoiding accidents and ensuring pedestrian safety.
Be aware of your vehicle’s blind spots. Knowing their locations is crucial for spotting pedestrians. When switching to a different vehicle, familiarize yourself with its unique blind spots to help keep walkers and other road users safe.
Eliminate distractions. Complete personal tasks like eating or grooming and set all vehicle controls before departure. Make adjustments only when you are safely stopped. Staying focused while driving is essential for pedestrian safety.
Maintain a safe following distance. This buffer zone gives you maximum visibility of what is ahead and time to react if pedestrians cross unexpectedly.
Be mindful of driving conditions. Inclement weather increases your vehicle’s stopping distance and reduces visibility, putting pedestrians at greater risk. In adverse weather and low light conditions, slow down, increase your following distance, and exercise extra caution to help maintain pedestrian safety.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan for pedestrians not only on the street and sidewalk, but also along road shoulders, in parking lots, and while pulling out of alleys and driveways. Remain vigilant for people who jaywalk, disregard signals, or step out suddenly from between parked cars. Recognize that obstructions, such as trees, signs, and parked vehicles can hide pedestrians, especially children, from view.
Signal early. Clear communication is key for pedestrian safety. Activating your turn signals well before any maneuver helps gives pedestrians time to understand your intentions and respond accordingly.
Approach intersections cautiously. Scan side to side, slow down, cover the brake, and be prepared to stop. Yield the right of way to pedestrians and make eye contact, when possible, to ensure they see you. Stop well behind crosswalks to give walkers space to cross without stepping into moving traffic. Avoid honking or revving your engine, and wait until the road is clear before moving. Do not pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk or intersection; it may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see. These habits can help prevent incidents and uphold pedestrian safety.
Look carefully before turning. Check several times for pedestrians who may be hidden in your blind spots. If you cannot turn safely with the space available, take an alternative route.
Pay special attention to distracted pedestrians. People using phones or headphones may be unaware of what is happening around them. They might walk slowly, ignore signals, or cross without checking for traffic. Watch for subtle signs of their intentions to improve pedestrian safety.
Practice patience. Elderly and mobility-challenged pedestrians may need extra time to cross. Give them the time and space they need. Small acts of patience go a long way in promoting pedestrian safety.
Stay alert in high-risk areas. School zones, toll booths, work zones, accident scenes, vehicle breakdowns, and areas with police activity often involve unpredictable pedestrian movement. Increased awareness in these situations can help uphold pedestrian safety.
With pedestrian injuries and fatalities at crisis levels, it is more important than ever for commercial drivers to step up their efforts to improve pedestrian safety. Your vigilance, courtesy, and commitment behind the wheel help protect our most vulnerable road users—not only during National Pedestrian Safety Month, but every day of the year.
