As Pedestrian Safety Month Begins, Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Highlights New York's ‘See! Be Seen!” Initiative and Offers Safety Tips

October is national Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) highlights New York’s “Operation See! Be Seen!” a statewide pedestrian safety enforcement mobilization and public awareness campaign, and offers safety tips to both drivers and pedestrians.

"Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roadways, and an average of 300 lose their lives in crashes yearly in just our state alone," said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the GTSC Mark J.F. Schroeder. "All drivers should watch for pedestrians and share the road, and pedestrians should follow the rules of the road and make themselves as visible as possible. We want everyone to reach their destination safely."

In 2024, there were 14,878 crashes involving pedestrians in New York State. Of those, 289 resulted in a death and 14,320 resulted in an injury, according to preliminary statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research. By comparison 2023 data shows there were 14,651 pedestrian-involved crashes, of which 307 resulted in a fatality and 14,098 resulting in an injury.

To improve pedestrian safety in New York, the GTSC organizes and promotes “Operation See! Be Seen!” a two-week, statewide, pedestrian safety enforcement mobilization, which will run from October 6 through 19. Police agencies in areas where pedestrian safety most needs to be addressed will increase patrols. They will distribute educational materials to drivers and pedestrians found to be violating the law during the first week of the campaign and citations during the second week. Public service announcements also run during this period on radio and television to alert the public to the campaign.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee recommends the following safety tips:  

Tips for Drivers: See! 

• YIELD for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections – it’s the law.
• Do not block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.
• Slow down and obey posted speed limits.
• Take extra care around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.
• Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a “right turn on red.”
• Never run red lights.
• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They might be stopping for pedestrians.
• Pay attention! Do not text and drive!

Tips for Pedestrians: Be Seen! 

• Cross in marked crosswalks and at intersections.
• Use pedestrian push buttons and wait for signals to cross.
• Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
• Use sidewalks. If there are none, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles and drivers see you.
• Pay attention! Don’t text while crossing!
• Make eye contact with drivers so they see you.
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with light-colored or reflective clothing.
• Don’t step suddenly in front of traffic. Buses and trucks take even longer to stop than other vehicles.
• Watch out for vehicles backing out of parking spaces and driveways.

Learn more about pedestrian safety and GTSC. Follow the conversation on Facebook, X and Instagram. 

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