Pedestrian & Vehicle Safety

As drivers, we aren't always aware of pedestrians, because our vision is blocked, we are distracted, or we just didn't anticipate or look for pedestrians in our path.

As pedestrians, sometimes we forget to look both ways when crossing the street, we ignore traffic signals at intersections, we neglect to use safe and marked routes like crosswalks, and sometimes our lives are so hectic that we do not pay attention to the traffic moving around us.

National Statistics*

On average, 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year.
85,000 pedestrians are injured every year.
A pedestrian is killed or injured about every 7 minutes.
In a typical 8-hour workday, 4-5 pedestrians are killed.
Every day 13-14 pedestrians are killed.
A "jet-load" (190) of pedestrians are killed every two weeks.
Every day, about 232 pedestrians are injured.
Pedestrian injuries and fatalities result in at least $20 billion in societal costs.

Who dies as a pedestrian?*

60 percent are working adults.
23 percent are elderly persons aged 65 or older.
17 percent are children up to the age of 20.
What role does visibility play?*
Approximately 50 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and midnight (a six hour window).

* Statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System.

City of Winchester Statistics

January thru August 2010 – 10
2009 – 4
2008 – 15
2007 – 19

Tips for Drivers

NOTE: State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

You can encounter pedestrians anytime and anywhere - even in places where they are not supposed to be found.
Pedestrians can be very hard to see - especially in bad weather or at night. You must keep a lookout and slow down if you can't see clearly.
When entering a crosswalk area, drive slowly and be prepared to stop.
Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not marked. When you stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.
Do not overtake and pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
When you are turning, you often will have to wait for a "gap" in traffic. Beware that while you are watching for that "gap," pedestrians may have moved into your intended path.
Be especially attentive around schools and in neighborhoods where children are present.

Tips for Pedestrians

Be predictable. Stay off freeways and restricted zones. Use sidewalks where provided. Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so.
Where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic.
Make it easy for drivers to see you - dress in light colors and wear retro-reflective material. It might be wise to carry a flashlight in very dark areas.
Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but don't count on them paying attention. Watch out - make eye contact to be sure they see you!
Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.
Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets.

Source: The University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center

Helpful Info

Promotion Materials:

City of Winchester Pedestrian/Vehicular Safety Postcard [link: ]
Posters*
Radio Public Service Announcements*
TV Public Service Announcements*
Print Public Service Announcements*
Graphic images for promotion purposes

* Provided by U.S. Department of Transportation

Safety