FLHSMV Celebrates National Pedestrian Safety Month

~October is National Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ~ Every October, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), join public safety partners statewide in recognizing National Pedestrian Safety Month and reminding both motorists and pedestrians of the importance of staying safe on Florida's roads.

For Pedestrians:

• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are present. If one isn't available, walk facing oncoming traffic and as far from traffic (and the road) as possible.
• Pay attention and always be alert. Refrain from distractions, such as wearing headphones or earbuds, or staring at phones while crossing the street.
• Whenever possible, cross streets at and within crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians, and look for vehicles in all directions, including those turning. If neither a crosswalk nor intersection is available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely and watch for traffic as you cross.
• Always be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to acknowledge you are seen.
• Never enter the street between parked cars. If crossing mid-block cannot be avoided, pedestrians must yield right of way to vehicles on the roadway.
• Do not cross an intersection diagonally except where and when crossing is authorized by official traffic control devices.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.

For Drivers:

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or during inclement weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be pedestrians crossing that you can't see.
• Yield to those walking inside the crosswalk and stop well before the crossing area to give other vehicles an opportunity to stop and locate crossing pedestrians.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods where children are present.
• All sides of the intersection are crosswalks - marked or not, regardless of whether the sidewalk is paved or not. The only exception is where a state or local government has explicitly closed a particular crosswalk. A sign must be placed at such a crossing to indicate that the crosswalk is closed.
• Be extra cautious when backing up as pedestrians can move into your path.
• A vehicle approaching a pedestrian legally crossing the street at an intersection must yield or stop to allow the person walking to cross. This applies to motor vehicle drivers and bicyclists as well.
• If motorists fail to yield, they face a minimum citation of $164 and three points on their driver license- it is the law. Worse, they can severely injure or take someone's life.
• Drivers must always be prepared to slow or stop at any time for emergency vehicles, buses, bicyclists, animals, other motorists slowing to turn, and other situations.

As Halloween approaches, drivers should expect increased pedestrian activity, including children who may be less aware of surrounding traffic. Motorists are urged to stay alert, slow down, and watch for pedestrians in neighborhoods, driveways, and crosswalks to help ensure a safe night for families across Florida.

For more information on Pedestrian Safety Month, including safety tips for pedestrians and motorists, visit FLHSMV's Pedestrian Safety webpage.