#NMWalkSafe2024
Santa Fe, NM – October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. During Pedestrian Safety Month 2024, we will be focusing on raising awareness and encouraging everyone to adopt behaviors that help protect pedestrians in New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Transportation will promote our “Look for Me” campaign, remember Pedestrian Safety is a two-way street! NMDOT | Look For Me Campaign | Pedestrian Safety | Pedestrian Fatalities (lookformenm.com).
New Mexico ranks #1 in pedestrian fatalities. At a rate of 4.87 fatalities per each of our 100K in population, we are more than twice the national rate of 2.30 fatalities per 100K population.
New Mexico recently created Target Zero, an initiative aimed at coordinating NMDOT safety planning, identifying educational campaigns, and finding policy solutions to reduce traffic fatalities in New Mexico to zero.
NMDOT Target Zero focuses year-round on pedestrian safety laying the groundwork for long-term sustained improvements in pedestrian safety. One tool is the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan which is monitored by regular progress reports. It recently was analyzed by Dr. Ian Thomas, of America Walks during the first ever New Mexico Target Zero Transportation Safety Summit.
“Approximately 30% of people in New Mexico are non-drivers, and statistics show it is twice as dangerous to be a pedestrian in New Mexico, we need to build a better traffic safety culture for them,” said Ricky Serna, NMDOT Cabinet Secretary.
Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community. The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to safer, healthier, and cleaner streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces.
Activities during the month will include:
- In October NMDOT will offer free fares for Park and Ride
- Provide Educational Materials for Drivers Ed Programs
- Pedestrian Safety Webinars
- Neighborhood Walkability Assessments
- Promoting Trail Walks
- Child Pedestrian Safety Training
For additional information visit: Target Zero | NMDOT
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, or carry a flashlight
- Use crosswalks: Use designated crosswalks when crossing roads and other traffic areas
- Yield to pedestrians: Drivers should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Look for cars: When crossing the street, look for cars in all directions, including those turning
- Follow the rules of the road: Obey signs and signals
Tips for drivers to keep pedestrians safe
- Follow the speed limit: This gives drivers enough time and distance to stop
- Be aware of surroundings: Slower speeds save lives
- Enhance visibility: Overhead lighting and crosswalk enhancements can help improve safety