October is Pedestrian Safety Month
Every October, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) observe National Pedestrian Safety Month by strengthening their efforts to improve safety for vulnerable road users.
National Pedestrian Safety Month is a particularly important observance here on Long Island, where roads consistently rank among some of the deadliest for those traversing our shared roadways on foot.
From October 2024 to September 2025, about 1.77% of all crashes across Long Island involved pedestrians. That number may seem low, but that’s 1,530 pedestrian crashes with 1,429 pedestrian injuries, and 62 lives lost to traffic fatality.
Figure 1: Long Island Pedestrian Crashes October 2024 – September 2025
Source: New York State Sheriffs' Association County Crash Data Hubs
County | All Crashes | Pedestrian Crashes | Pedestrian Injuries | Pedestrian Fatalities |
Nassau | 40,672 | 888 | 856 | 29 |
Suffolk | 45,987 | 642 | 573 | 33 |
Long Island Total | 86,659 | 1,530 | 1,429 | 62 |
There’s a silver lining— total crashes are down 8.31% on Long Island from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025. Still, the region consistently experiences some of the highest numbers of motor vehicle crashes and traffic fatalities in New York State.
Figure 2: Long Island Pedestrian Crashes Over Time
Source: New York State Sheriffs' Association County Crash Data Hubs
Years | County | All Crashes | Pedestrian Crashes | Pedestrian Injuries | Pedestrian Fatalities |
2024-2025 | Nassau | 40,672 | 888 | 856 | 29 |
Suffolk | 45,987 | 642 | 573 | 33 | |
LI Total | 86,659 | 1,530 | 1,429 | 62 | |
2023-2024 | Nassau | 44,921 | 1,079 | 1,033 | 22 |
Suffolk | 49,591 | 660 | - | 37 | |
LI Total | 94,512 | 1,739 | - | 59 | |
2022-2023 | Nassau | 45,521 | 1,025 | 983 | 20 |
Suffolk | 46,280 | 562 | 468 | 65 | |
LI Total | 91,801 | 1,587 | 1451 | 85 |
It’s an issue that regularly makes headlines yet persists. Pedestrian injuries and deaths are a result of crashes— not accidents— and they’re preventable. According to NHTSA, 90% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes in 2024. It’s vital that drivers and pedestrians watch out for each other on the road.
NHTSA offers these driving tips to keep everyone safe:
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions — 76% of pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred in the dark.
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, around schools, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
Drive sober — alcohol use (for the driver and/or pedestrian) was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024.
Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots.
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where drivers can’t see.
NHTSA offers these safety tips for pedestrians:
Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Do not cross mid-block. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
If a crosswalk or intersection is not 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; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
Embrace walking as a healthy form of transportation.
When crossing the street, stay alert: check for signs, signals, and the actions of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians around you.
Do not rely on others to keep you safe; make eye contact with drivers when possible and wait for a clear, complete stop before crossing.
Whether you’re traveling by car, bike, or on foot, Walk Safe Long Island urges you to travel mindfully, look out for others, and stay safe on our shared roadways this month and every month. Find additional Pedestrian Safety Month resources from NHTSA here.
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