Pedestrian Safety Month 2024: Protecting Lives with Site 20/20’s Innovative Solutions
Pedestrian Safety Month 2024: Protecting Lives with Site 20/20’s Innovative Solutions
Whether you’re walking to work, crossing a street, or simply enjoying a stroll, pedestrian safety is a crucial aspect of our daily lives. Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities have reached alarming levels in recent years, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and advanced safety measures.
October is Pedestrian Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting pedestrians on our roads. As traffic control professionals, it’s our responsibility to ensure that both pedestrians and workers are safe in all environments. This year, let’s take a closer look at the challenges we face and how Site 20/20 can help companies enhance their safety protocols to protect both pedestrians and workers.
The Sobering Statistics
In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States. That equates to 21 pedestrians per day and 145 per week. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, but it’s a continuation of a worrying trend. The 2022 figures marked the highest number of pedestrian fatalities since 1981, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures.
On average, a pedestrian was killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes in 2022. These incidents accounted for 18% of all traffic fatalities and 3% of all people injured in traffic crashes. The number of pedestrians injured also saw a significant increase, rising by 11% from 2021 to a staggering 67,336 in 2022.
Key Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Fatalities
Several factors contribute to the high rate of pedestrian fatalities. One of the most significant is the time of day. In 2022, more pedestrian fatalities occurred in the dark (78%) than in daylight (19%). This highlights the importance of visibility and proper lighting in pedestrian areas, especially at night.
Another critical factor is the location of these incidents. While 16% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at intersections, a staggering 75% took place at locations that were not intersections. This suggests that many pedestrians are being struck in areas where they might feel safe, such as mid-block crossings or areas without designated crosswalks.
Alcohol use also plays a significant role in pedestrian fatalities. In 2022, 48% of all crashes resulting in pedestrian fatalities involved either a driver or a pedestrian with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing both driver and pedestrian behavior when it comes to alcohol consumption.
The Role of Traffic Control Professionals
As traffic control professionals, we have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on pedestrian safety and Pedestrian Safety Month. By implementing advanced safety technologies and practices, we can help reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
Site 20/20 is at the forefront of this effort, offering innovative solutions designed to enhance safety on worksites and in high-traffic areas. One of our flagship products, the Guardian SmartFlagger, is a prime example of how technology can be used to protect both workers and pedestrians.
Enhancing Safety with the Guardian SmartFlagger
For Pedestrian Safety Month 2024, we would like to focus on the Guardian SmartFlagger. The GSF is an Automated Flagger Assistance Device (AFAD) that combines cutting-edge technology with practical safety measures. It’s designed to improve the safety of both pedestrians and workers by providing clear, automated signals that control traffic flow in and around work zones.
One of the key benefits of the Guardian SmartFlagger is its ability to operate in low-light conditions, a crucial factor given that 78% of pedestrian fatalities occur in the dark. The device is equipped with high-visibility LED lights and reflective materials, ensuring that drivers can easily see the signals even in poor lighting conditions.
Additionally, the Guardian SmartFlagger is designed to be used at non-intersection locations, where the majority of pedestrian fatalities occur. By deploying this technology in areas where pedestrians are most vulnerable, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
While technology plays a critical role in enhancing pedestrian safety, education and awareness are equally important. Pedestrian Safety Month is an ideal time to reinforce the importance of safe behaviors for both drivers and pedestrians.
Drivers should be reminded to always be vigilant, especially in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present. Slowing down in pedestrian zones, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol are all essential behaviors that can help prevent accidents.
For pedestrians, it’s crucial to stay alert, use designated crosswalks whenever possible, and make sure they are visible to drivers, especially at night. Wearing bright or reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of being struck by a vehicle.
How Site 20/20 Can Help Your Company
At Site 20/20, we are committed to helping companies enhance their safety protocols to protect pedestrians and workers. Our solutions, like the Guardian SmartFlagger, are designed with the specific needs of traffic control professionals in mind.
We understand the challenges you face in keeping your worksites safe, and we’re here to support you with innovative products and expert advice. By partnering with Site 20/20 this Pedestrian Safety Month, you can take proactive steps to improve safety on your worksites, reduce the risk of accidents, and ultimately save lives.
Conclusion
As we observe Pedestrian Safety Month 2024, let’s remember that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Whether we’re driving, walking, or working in a high-traffic area, we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe. By leveraging advanced technologies like the Guardian SmartFlagger and promoting safe behaviors, we can make a significant impact on reducing pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
Let’s work together to create safer environments for everyone. Contact Site 20/20 today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your safety protocols and protect the lives of both pedestrians and workers.
