Pedestrian Safety
Watch for people at all times.
Let’s keep our friends and neighbors safe.
At some point during the day we are all pedestrians. Yet too many people walking near the road are injured or killed in traffic crashes every year. What can we do? We can start by driving more safely and following the rules of the road. As we do, we’ll make a safer environment for ourselves, our loved ones and the entire community.
Stats
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In 2020, on a national level, a pedestrian was killed every 80 minutes in traffic crashes
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The number of pedestrians killed in Idaho motor vehicle crashes increased by 57% in 2021
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Of all people hit by vehicles in Idaho crashes in 2021, 97% were injured
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In 2020, 6,516 people hit by vehicles were killed. An estimated 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide
Motor vehicles must yield to a pedestrian when:
The person is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection
The vehicle is entering a street from an alley or driveway
The pedestrian is a blind person walking with a white cane or guide dog
Pedestrians must yield to motor vehicles when:
The person is crossing a street somewhere other than a crosswalk or intersection
Directed to yield by a traffic signal at an intersection or crosswalk
The more we learn to share the road with people walking on or near the road, the safer we will all be. There are ways drivers can be more aware of pedestrians and vice versa.
Tips for drivers:
- Be an engaged driver. Watch for people at all times
- When turning at a crosswalk, look for people and vehicles. Take an extra moment to look for individuals in the crosswalk
- When stopped at an intersection with a crosswalk, stop at the stop bar (white line before crosswalk) to leave room for people to cross and help other drivers see crossing pedestrians
- Always follow the speed limit
- Use caution when backing up. When possible, back into a parking space so you can see who and what is in front of you when you pull out
Tips for pedestrians:
- Be predictable. Cross at crosswalks or intersections where possible. Look left, right and left again for cars (including turning cars)
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or reversing in parking lots
- Never assume a driver sees you. Try to make eye contact where possible. Wear bright-colored clothing during the day and reflective materials at night
