The New Rochelle Police Department is participating in the Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) Pedestrian Safety campaign, a two-week education and enforcement period targeting the critical issue of pedestrian crashes. The “See! Be Seen! initiative, which runs October 16-30, coincides with New York State’s comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Action Plan  (PSAP) and includes the distribution of warning cards and educational materials as well as enforcement. 

Children and older adults (ages 65+) are most vulnerable to pedestrian injuries and death.   “Pedestrian-traffic related injuries are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for 1 to 9 year olds, and the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related hospital admissions for 5 to 9 year olds,” said New Rochelle Police Sergeant Myron Joseph. “For older adults, pedestrian-traffic injuries are the second leading cause of unintentional injury- related deaths and unintentional, injury-related hospital admissions. It is extremely crucial for motorists to be aware of pedestrians at all times, especially in the crosswalk.” 

Statistics show that approximately 300 pedestrians are killed and 15,000 injured by motor vehicles each year on the state’s roadways and more than 3,000 pedestrians are admitted to the hospital annually. Injuries to pedestrians are among the top 10 leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions and death for almost all age groups In New York State.

In an effort to raise pedestrian safety awareness statewide, the “See! Be Seen!” educational campaign was created by the NYS Department of Health and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to provide safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers. A toolkit of resources including posters, tip cards, PowerPoint presentations, educational tools for law enforcement and video PSAs focusing on pedestrian and driver behaviors can be found on the New York State website.