Rockland County Urges Residents to Prioritize Pedestrian Safety

Rockland County Safe Streets PSA

Rockland County reminds residents that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility and a growing public safety concern.

Each year, more than 300 pedestrians are killed and thousands more are injured on New York state roadways. According to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository, in Rockland County alone, 208 pedestrians were killed or injured in crashes in 2024.Pedestrians account for nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in the state. These incidents are preventable when drivers and pedestrians follow basic safety practices and existing laws governing traffic safety.

Data shows that many pedestrian crashes occur at intersections or while crossing roadways, often involving speeding, distracted drivers, failure to yield right of way and lack of safety restraint. Additional contributing factors include speeding, alcohol use, and lack of safe crossing infrastructure.

Rockland County encourages pedestrians to take the following precautions:

● Cross only at intersections or marked crosswalks whenever possible.

● Obey pedestrian signals.

● Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

● Stay alert and avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music.

● Increase visibility at night by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight.

● Walk facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks are not available.

Improving pedestrian safety requires a coordinated approach that includes education, enforcement, and engineering improvements. Rockland County supports initiatives such as public awareness campaigns and targeted enforcement efforts to reduce pedestrian crashes.

Rockland County urges all residents to stay alert on the roads to prevent serious injuries and save lives. Remember: Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another. Funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the Rockland County Department page at https://rcklnd.us/Safe-Streets.