Although it is something that should be observed every day, October is National Pedestrian Safety Month! This annual observance celebrates the right of everyone to walk or roll safely and reminds drivers of their responsibility to stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. According to NHTSA, in 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed in the United States - an average of 18 pedestrians a day! And for 2021, pedestrian fatalities were projected to be up 13% over 2020.  Here are some tips to stay safe:

Drivers:

• Do not speed; do slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Pedestrians:

• Use signalized crosswalks where drivers expect foot traffic.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and be careful crossing the street, especially busier streets with higher speed limits. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to come to a stop.
• Get in the habit of wearing light colors, reflective material, and walking with a flashlight at night so it is easier for drivers to see you.

Test Your Pedestrian Safety Knowledge:

True or False:

1. All sides of an intersection are crosswalks regardless of whether they are marked as such. 
2. Pedestrians, under Florida Law, are required to follow all traffic control devices.
3. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, walk facing traffic.
4. In 2020, 77% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred when it was dark out.

To check your answers to the above questions see

the bottom of this newsletter. 

How Walkable is your Community?

Walking is not only a way to get from point A to point B, but it is also an excellent form of exercise and promotes a greater sense of community. It is important that where you walk is safe and pedestrian friendly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a valuable resource for determining how walkable your community is. Check it out: NHTSA Walkability Checklist

Navigating Roundabouts

As more roundabouts are installed in Volusia and Flagler Counties, it is important to know how to navigate them as pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. Some key points for pedestrians to remember are:

• Stay on the walkways and cross at designated crosswalks
• Do not enter the central island
• Watch for motorists and bicyclists
• Cross to the splitter island and stop there if traffic requires

The video below from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) explains how pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists can safely navigate roundabouts.