Montgomery, AL – October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is joining forces with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind drivers that every step matters when it comes to saving lives.
In 2024, Alabama recorded 620 pedestrian injuries and 120 fatalities resulting from traffic incidents. Data from Drive Safe Alabama shows that pedestrian deaths in the state have risen by roughly 22 percent since 2015, with distracted walking—particularly involving cell phones— identified as a major contributing factor.
“A driver’s attention can make the difference between life and death,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “Every driver in Alabama shares the road with pedestrians to include children walking to school, parents crossing busy intersections, joggers and citizens commuting on foot. Their safety depends on your vigilance behind the wheel. As we recognize National Pedestrian Safety Month, we encourage all Alabamians to slow down, eliminate distractions and watch for those on foot.”
Nationally, NHTSA reported that 7,314 pedestrians were killed in 2023, representing 18 percent of all traffic fatalities. On average, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every eight minutes across the United States.
Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), emphasized that both drivers and pedestrians play vital roles in safety. “Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and it starts with paying attention—from both drivers and those on foot,” Archer said. “As Halloween approaches, we’re especially urging caution. Children and families will be out after dark, often in areas where they might not typically be seen. We all must do our part.”
Through the partnership, ALEA and NHTSA will continue raising awareness about driver attentiveness, pedestrian visibility, and safe walking practices to help prevent future tragedies on Alabama’s roadways.
