OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This week marks the start of National Pedestrian Safety Month. In recognition of the dangers pedestrians face in Florida, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is running an October public safety campaign to encourage Floridians to ‘Take the First Step’ toward pedestrian safety.

March, October and December are the most dangerous months for pedestrians on average, according to FLHSMV. Most pedestrian-involved crashes occurred on Fridays or Saturdays. 6 p.m. was the most common time, but any time of day with heavier traffic usually results in more crashes. As we ‘fall back’ on Daylight Savings Time in the coming month, it will also start getting darker earlier, increasing the risk for pedestrians.

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Although there were fewer fatal pedestrian-involved crashes in Florida in 2022 than in 2021, the overall trend is increasing since 2019. Additionally, there were 10,013 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2022 – that’s 444 more than the previous year. According to FLHSMV, this trend is still on the rise.

Safety tips for pedestrians:

  • Be alert. Avoid wearing headphones so you can hear vehicles and other pedestrians. Never text or look at your phone while crossing the street.
  • Be seen. Wear bright, reflective clothing during the day. Use a flashlight at night. Never assume a driver sees you. Always make eye contact with approaching drivers.
  • Stay on the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk available, walk facing the oncoming traffic. Stay as far from traffic as possible.
  • Cross safely. When possible, always use crosswalks or intersections to cross the street, as drivers expect pedestrians in these areas. Look for cars in every direction. Never cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized. If there is no crosswalk or intersection, find a well-lit area with the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in the traffic that allows enough time to cross safely. Pedestrians must yield right-of-way to vehicles.
  • Watch driveways and parking lots. Cars may enter or exit quickly.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs. Substances impair your judgment while walking and reduce pedestrian safety.

Safety tips for motorists:

  • Look out for pedestrians. Use extra caution when driving at night or in inclement weather.
  • Prepare to stop at crosswalks. If another vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, do not pass it. There may be pedestrians crossing that you can’t see. If there is a pedestrian crossing, stop well back from the crosswalk. Motorists and bicyclists must yield to pedestrians legally crossing at an intersection. All sides of any intersection are considered crosswalks, whether they are marked or not. Failure to yield means you will face a minimum citation of $164 and three points on your driver license. Worse, you could severely injure or kill a pedestrian.
  • Obey the speed limit. Be aware especially when there are pedestrians nearby. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods where children are present.
  • Be cautious when backing up. Look for pedestrians who may have moved into the path of your vehicle.

For more information on Pedestrian Safety Month, visit FLHSMV’s Pedestrian Safety webpage. For more information on pedestrian safety, refer to the official Florida Driver License Handbook.