Pedestrian Safety Month: Help Keep Statesville Safe One Step at a Time

A walk downtown, a trip from the parking lot to a store, or an afternoon stroll through the neighborhood all have something in common: people and vehicles sharing space. A moment of attention can make a difference.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Statesville Police Department encourages everyone to make safety part of every trip.

Why pedestrian safety matters

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. Of those fatalities, 76% occurred in the dark. These numbers are a reminder to take extra care when visibility is limited.

Slow down for downtown crosswalks

SPD recently shared a reminder about crosswalk safety in Downtown Statesville, where a steady mix of vehicles and pedestrians includes children and families traveling to and from school.

Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to stop at marked crosswalks.

Where traffic signals are absent or not operating, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at or near an intersection. Never pass a vehicle stopped to allow someone to cross.

Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks whenever available, look in both directions, and make sure approaching drivers see them and stop before entering their path.

Whether you are visiting a downtown business, walking to school, or simply passing through, a few extra seconds of caution can help keep downtown safe.

Drivers: Make pedestrian safety part of every trip

Crosswalks are just one place to watch for people. Neighborhood streets, driveways, and parking lots also require your attention.

• Follow posted speed limits, especially in school zones and neighborhoods where children are present.
• Look for pedestrians before turning, including people crossing the street you are entering.
• Check carefully before backing up in driveways and parking lots.
• Use extra caution after dark and in poor weather, when people may be harder to see.

Pedestrians: Stay alert along your route

• Use sidewalks whenever available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible.
• Cross at crosswalks or intersections and obey pedestrian signals.
• If neither is available, choose a well-lit location with a clear view of traffic and wait for a safe gap.
• Watch for vehicles entering or leaving driveways and backing out of parking spaces.
• Wait for approaching vehicles to stop completely before crossing their path. Make eye contact with drivers when possible.

Help children practice safe walking habits

Walk together and practice looking left, right, and left again before crossing. Teach children to wait for the walk signal, watch for turning vehicles, and walk across the street rather than run. NHTSA recommends that children under 10 not cross streets alone.

Help keep Statesville safe year-round

Pedestrian Safety Month is an opportunity to build habits that last beyond October. Wherever your day takes you, give others your attention and room to travel safely.

Learn more: Visit NHTSA's pedestrian safety resources.