As National Pedestrian Safety Month begins this October, the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind motorists of their responsibility to protect vulnerable road users. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, reduce speeds, and always look out for pedestrians.
The urgency of this message is underscored by tragic national trends. On average, a pedestrian is killed every 74 minutes and injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes. In 2024, pedestrian injuries rose 5% to 71,635, while fatalities remained alarmingly high at 7,080. Pedestrians now account for 18% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Data from 2024 further reveals that 84% of these fatalities occurred in urban environments, 90% involved single-vehicle incidents, and nearly one-quarter were the result of hit-and-run drivers.
“In West Virginia, our goal is to ensure that everyone can walk safely whether on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk without fear for their safety,” said Jack McNeely, Director of the GHSP. “We are calling on all drivers to prioritize pedestrian awareness, slow down, and make safety a fundamental part of their driving routine.”
Because every person is a pedestrian at some point in their day, NHTSA recommends the following safety practices for drivers:
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, 76% of pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred in the dark.
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, around schools, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
Drive sober: alcohol use was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024.
Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots.
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where drivers can’t see.
This safety initiative is particularly vital as Halloween approaches. Drivers should anticipate increased pedestrian activity during evening hours, especially in residential areas where families and children may be trick-or-treating. Children can be unpredictable and may dart into the street, making driver alertness and reduced speeds essential.
For more information about pedestrian safety, please visit NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian.
For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, call 304-926-2509.
