​October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and its purpose is to help educate the community while also addressing an awareness in the increased number of pedestrians injuries and fatalities nationwide. Protecting vulnerable roadway users is a top priority in Phoenix, which is why an emphasis on promoting safer behavior is being highlighted this month.

The Phoenix Street Transportation Department embraces the right of everyone to walk or roll safely, while also reminding all roadway users to be and stay alert when traveling throughout the metro area.

Throughout the month of October, the department will share tips, guidelines and resources through its social media platforms, and join the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in educating about pedestrian safety awareness.

When drivers maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors – a safer walking environment is created for the community. The department wants drivers to view pedestrians as family members or friends who they must protect and be responsible for when traveling on city roadways.

Walking is a form of transportation that some community members electively choose for health or environmental impact reasons, while other residents must rely on it as their go-to method of getting from place to place. Walking also is a great form of exercise and is an example of how anyone can become a pedestrian during their daily routine.

This month, and year-round, stay safe by following these important driver and pedestrian guidelines.

Safety Tips For Drivers:

• Always look for pedestrians – everywhere and at all times
• When driving in conditions that limit visibility, like during bad weather or at night, use extra caution
• Always be prepared to stop, and always slow down when turning or entering a crosswalk
• Never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk – there may be people who are crossing that you are unable to see
• Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and make sure you don’t encroach on a crosswalk
• The speed limit is not a suggestion – it’s the law. Don’t speed and be aware of people, especially in walkable areas like school zones or neighborhoods

Safety Tips For Pedestrians:

• Follow all signs and signals of the road
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible
• When sidewalks are unavailable, always face traffic and walk as far away as possible from traffic
• Use crosswalks or intersections when crossing the street
• When crosswalks are unavailable, wait for a gap in traffic and locate a well-lit area to cross ​
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, entryways, parking lots and other car-focused road zones

For a list of other resources and guidelines, visit the NHTSA’s pedestrian safety webpage. Information about the Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan that was approved by Phoenix City Council in September 2022 is available at Phoenix.gov/RoadSafety.