Pedestrian safety

Walking is a great way to stay active and, like bicycling, it reduces traffic congestion and protects the environment. Unfortunately, in today’s world it is not risk-free.

In 2005, Public Health’s Injury Prevention Unit published the “Profile of Pedestrian Fatalities in King County, Washington 2000 – 2003.” The report found an average of 26 pedestrians die in King County each year because of crashes involving motor vehicles.

Other key findings were:

• Males accounted for 62% of pedestrian deaths.
• Almost 30 percent of the deaths involved people aged 40 to 49 years old, the greatest percentage of any age group.
• After age 60, female pedestrians were more likely to die in crashes. Women 70 to 79 years of age had the highest pedestrian fatality rate.
• November, December, and January are especially dangerous months for pedestrians.
• Pedestrian fatalities were most likely to happen during work rush hours and times of darkness.
• People of color made up nearly 40 percent of the deaths. In particular, Asian and Pacific Islanders and American Indians/Alaska Natives were disproportionately affected.
• Forty-two percent of the fatalities were the result of unsafe road-crossing practices.
• Fifty-nine percent of the pedestrians were killed on roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
• Almost half of the pedestrian fatalities took place in Seattle, especially in its denser urban areas.

Pedestrian safety tips

• Remember the following when crossing streets:
  • Cross only at intersections, with signals if possible
  • Watch for turning vehicles.
  • Stop at the curb. Look left, right, left, and over your shoulder for traffic.
  • Continue to look as you cross the street.
  • Stop and look around parked cars or other objects that block the view of traffic.
  • Let oncoming traffic pass, then look again before crossing.
  • Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
• Teach children how to safely cross the street.
• Dress so drivers can see you. If walking at night carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing. Wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day.
• Use paths and sidewalks. If you must walk on or near a road, remember to walk facing oncoming traffic and stay as far to the side as possible. Always look for oncoming traffic.
• Remember many objects may block a driver’s view. Use caution when crossing multi-lane roadways even in crosswalks and even if some cars have stopped for you—a motorist in a second or third lane may still not see you.
• Traffic signs and signals may not protect you. Look for traffic even if you are in a crosswalk and are crossing with the light or with the walk signal. Some drivers may not see or obey traffic signs or signals.
• Turning vehicles are especially dangerous at intersections. Make sure the driver of a vehicle that is turning sees you.
• Always follow traffic signals and crossing signage. Cross only at designated crossing areas especially on roads with high volumes of traffic.
• Never cross a freeway or interstate unless there is a designated pedestrian path with a crosswalk. Stay off I-5 and I-90. Vehicles in need of assistance should park as far away from the roadway as possible, call 911 from a cellular phone, and wait for assistance.

A message for parents: Myths that children have about being a pedestrian (PDF)


Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
Seattle Dept. of Transportation's Pedestrian Program
Washington Department of Transportation Bicycling and Walking Program
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Federal Highway Administration
Feet First