Pedestrians deaths are increasing. Here’s how to stay safe on the road.
Plenty of people choose not to drive. Maybe you’d rather ride a bike or take a walk than get behind the wheel, or maybe you live in a big city and opt for public transportation.
If you fall into one of these categories, you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about distracted driving. But pedestrian fatalities are high in the United States, and bikers and walkers need to be informed and take measures to protect themselves when sharing the road. Here’s what you need to know:
Pedestrians are at risk of injury, and even death
A pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes in a traffic crash in 2019. It’s no exaggeration to say that hundreds of pedestrians are killed and thousands are injured each year in crashes involving distracted driving. In 2018, about 1 in 5 people who died in distracted driving-related crashes were not in a vehicle — they were riding their bikes, walking, or standing near the road.
Pedestrian fatalities are increasing
The United States saw a significant increase in pedestrian deaths in 2020 with an increase of 21% from the prior year. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) points to a variety of factors for the increase, including more reckless driving due to less congested roads during the pandemic, drunk and distracted driving, and poor infrastructure that prioritized drivers over pedestrians.
In Virginia, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 19% since 2012, growing from about 70 pedestrian deaths a year to more than 120. Most of these crashes involve people trying to cross the road.
Pedestrians have a responsibility to keep themselves safe. You can’t trust drivers to protect your life, but following some simple safety rules can help keep you safe when sharing the road.
Pedestrian and biker safety tips
Assume that the driver has not seen you. If you are trying to cross the street, make eye contact with the drivers before entering the roadway
Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when provided
When sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic and as far away from traffic as possible
Avoid distractions: Remove your headphones when crossing the road, stay off your phone when near busy roadways
Make your presence known by wearing reflective clothing and carrying a light when walking or biking at night
Watch for cars exiting alleys and driveways and backing up in parking lots
Sign Hunter’s Pledge to End Distracted Driving
Hunter’s Pledge was designed to encourage drivers to commit to safe driving habits. Since 2016, tens of thousands of drivers have signed the pledge and permanently changed their driving behaviors. Studies show that signing a pledge can dramatically and permanently change behaviors. In fact, 55 percent of people who sign Hunter’s Pledge have changed their driving behavior.
Hunter’s Fund
Hunter’s Fund honors the life of Hunter Watson, a young man of extremely diverse talents who was killed at 20-years-old when he was fatally injured as a passenger in a distracted driving collision.
Through distracted driving education and awarding grants to help young people’s involvement in performing arts, music, computer science, and entrepreneurship, Hunter’s Fund empowers young people in their careers and keeps Hunter’s spirit alive.
Does your fraternity or organization want to get involved with Hunter’s Pledge? Click here for more information, or contact Laurel Holmes laurel@hunterwatson.org.