Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Highlights Efforts to Improve Pedestrian Safety During National Pedestrian Safety Month

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is marking the beginning of National Pedestrian Safety Month with a targeted pedestrian safety education and enforcement campaign to improve safety on New York’s roadways. Law enforcement agencies across the state will launch Operation “See! Be Seen!” from October 6 to 19. Participating agencies will distribute educational materials to drivers and pedestrians and will increase patrols in areas where data has shown that pedestrian safety needs to be addressed. 

The State Department of Health has also launched its Street Safe: Walking with Daisy Campaign that will run through October 19. The video features Wanda the Crossing Guard and her street safe sidekick Daisy teaching kids in grades K-5 some simple rules of the road to help them cross the street safely. The video was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and the media campaign is being funded by the New York State Department of Transportation and targets parents and caregivers in Albany County where pedestrian involved crashes are overrepresented in crash data.  Data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR) shows a 400 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities in Albany County from 2 deaths in 2019 to 10 deaths in 2023.

"It might not always be obvious, but nearly everyone we know is a pedestrian at some point. It can be someone who is walking, running, biking, riding a scooter or skateboard or skates, or someone using a wheelchair," New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the GTSC Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "With school back in session, people enjoying the outdoors to get a glimpse of the colorful fall foliage, we need to work even harder to spread the message that there is room on our roads, or alongside the road, for everyone, and we all have a responsibility to look out for others when we share the road."

“Drivers and pedestrians can each do their part to make sure our roadways are safe for everyone,” New York State Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. James V. McDonald said. “Pedestrian Safety Month serves as a reminder to everyone about best practices when sharing the road, especially with kids returning to school. I hope the increased patrols and education materials will help everyone to ‘See’ and ‘Be Seen,’ which is the theme for this year’s awareness campaign. Pedestrians are New York’s most vulnerable roadway users and improving their safety continues to be a priority.”

New York State has been at the forefront of protecting pedestrians and bicyclists, requiring a helmet for bike riders under age 14 since 1993, and later extending that to inline skaters, non-motorized scooters, and skateboarders.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Knowing the rules of the road is imperative for both motorists and pedestrians alike. By obeying traffic laws and signals, being aware of surroundings and visibly present by using headlights and light-colored clothing, we can all arrive at our destinations safely. We are happy to support our partners along with the Department of Motor vehicles, working together to make our roads safer for all who utilize them.”

Delaware County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association Craig DuMond said, “October is when we highlight pedestrian safety…and it is a team approach.  The motto is See!  Be Seen!  It is important for drivers to See! and yield to pedestrians.  It is also helpful when pedestrians can Be Seen! by walking and crossing at the appropriate locations and wearing bright clothing or reflective devices during the darker hours.  The Sheriffs of New York State want all drivers and pedestrians to enjoy using the roads and surrounding areas in a safe manner.” 

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and City of Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said, “October as Pedestrian Safety Month, we encourage everyone to embrace the theme 'See! Be Seen!' This month serves as a reminder of the vital role we all play in keeping our streets safe. By staying aware and visible, we can protect pedestrians and create a safer environment for everyone. Let's work together to ensure that our roads are safe for all who use them.”
Recognizing that pedestrian safety continues to be a serious concern in New York State, 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 pushbuttons 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 suddenly step 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 by visiting Pedestrian Safety: It's No Accident (ny.gov).

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