Today (Wednesday) is National Walking Day and while it’s chilly in Iowa, the warmer weather of springtime isn’t far away, but more walkers means a greater risk of crashes involving pedestrians on the roads and at busy intersections. Brian Ortner, at AAA, says motorists and pedestrians have responsibilities, and both need to be vigilant in watching for the other.
“Being aware of your surroundings and paying attention are the biggest things you can do to avoid the risk of a crash involving a pedestrian,” Ortner says. “Pedestrians face the greatest risk because they have no protection in a crash. Even low-speed collisions can result in serious or fatal injuries, so that first step of paying attention and being aware of your surroundings is so important.”
The Iowa DOT reports 460 crashes involving pedestrians last year, 29 of them resulted in deaths and 84 caused serious injuries. The number of pedestrian deaths has dropped slightly in recent years, from 31 killed in 2024, and 33 in 2023. Ortner cautions pedestrians not to use headphones, or to at least position them so you can still hear your surroundings.
“Make sure you’re still using eye contact before you’re crossing the streets. Stay off your phones if you can. Keep your head up,” Ortner says. “And then wear that bright and reflective clothing, too, to make sure people can see you.”
Motorists, too, need to be watchful at all times.
“Slow down when you’re near pedestrian zones. Keep an eye out for walkers near schools, parks, and large gatherings of people. Eliminate those distractions behind the wheel like you would if you’re walking,” Ortner says. “And yield at crosswalks and intersections, and use extra caution at night when it’s a little harder to see.”
A report from the Governors Highway Safety Association finds of all pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2024, one in four were the result of a hit-and-run crash, more than three-quarters happened after dark, and nearly two-thirds occurred in locations without a sidewalk.
