June is National Safety Month, a time to focus on preventing injuries and fatalities both on and off our roadways. Whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, commercial truck driver, or a new teen driver, every choice you make behind the wheel or on the road, can help save lives.
While traffic fatalities have declined slightly in recent years, roadway deaths remain well above pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, more than 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes across the United States, underscoring the need for continued education, enforcement, and personal responsibility. (NHTSA https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-estimates-39345-traffic-fatalities-2024)
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian fatalities remain a major concern. According to NHTSA, 7,314 pedestrians were killed and more than 68,000 were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. (https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety) Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that pedestrian deaths remain more than 14% higher than pre-pandemic levels despite a slight decline from the previous year. ( https://www.ghsa.org/resource-hub/pedestrian-fatalities-2023-data?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Tips for Pedestrians:
- Use sidewalks whenever available.
- Cross at marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Stay visible, especially at night.
- Avoid distractions while walking.
Bicycle Safety
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. In 2023, 1,166 bicyclists were killed on U.S. roadways, the highest number recorded since federal tracking began in 1975. (https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/bicyclists-pedestrians-micromobility?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Tips for Bicyclists:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Ride predictably and follow traffic laws.
- Use lights and reflective gear in low-light conditions.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions.
Motorcyclist Safety
Motorcyclists account for a disproportionate share of roadway fatalities. In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed, representing approximately 15% of all traffic fatalities despite motorcycles making up a much smaller percentage of vehicles on the road. (NHTSA https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/motorcycle-riding-season-brings-warning-aaa-20304628.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Tips for Motorcyclists:
- Wear DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.
- Ride sober and within speed limits.
- Increase visibility with bright clothing and lights.
- Assume other drivers may not see you.
Teen Driver Safety
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of preventable death for teenagers. In 2023, 2,707 teen vehicle occupants died in crashes, and more than 5,500 people were killed in crashes involving at least one young driver ages 15-20. (https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/teen-drivers?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
It’s important to note that during The “100 Deadliest Days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, fatal crashes involving teen drivers jump significantly. Nationwide, teen driver-related fatalities increase by roughly 17% to 30% during these summer months compared to the rest of the year. (AAA The 100 Deadliest Days: Teen Driver Deaths Jump in Summer Months – AAA Newsroom)
Tips for Teen Drivers:
- Put phones away before driving.
- Limit passenger distractions.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Gain experience gradually in different driving conditions.
Tips for Parents:
- Limit Passengers: Too many friends can be distracting. Set clear limits on who and how many passengers can ride with your teen.
- Set Clear Expectations: Establish rules about seat belt use, cell phone distractions, speeding, curfews, and impaired driving.
- Lead by Example: Teens learn from watching adults. Model safe driving habits by staying focused, obeying traffic laws, and putting your phone away while driving.
- Practice Often: Give your teen plenty of supervised driving experience in different conditions, including nighttime, rain, and heavy traffic.
- Use Available Resources: Take advantage of educational tools, driving agreements, and safety information from organizations like AAA, the CDC, and NHTSA.
AAA— AAA | American Automobile Association
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC
NHTSA – NHTSA | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Driver Safety and Sharing the Road
Every driver plays a role in protecting vulnerable road users. Distracted driving, speeding, impairment, fatigue, and aggressive driving continue to contribute to preventable crashes nationwide. Drivers must remain vigilant for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, school buses, and large trucks.
Tips for Drivers:
- Eliminate distractions before driving.
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Never drive impaired or drowsy.
- Leave extra space around trucks and motorcycles.
- Watch carefully at intersections and crosswalks.
National Safety Month reminds us that safer roads begin with each of us. Whether you’re walking, biking, riding, driving, or learning to drive, every safe choice matters.
For additional resources and educational materials, visit the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR – https://ncsrsafety.org/about-us/), National Safety Council (NSC – https://www.nsc.org), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA – https://www.nhtsa.gov/), and Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA – https://www.ghsa.org/). Together, we can build a culture of safety and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
