Do Pedestrian Accidents Rise at Certain Times of the Year?
Yes, they do. Research on traffic safety consistently shows that pedestrian accidents follow a seasonal pattern nationally. Certain months bring a higher risk of serious injury and death for people walking. Understanding the factors involved can help you stay safer no matter the time of year or where you live.
Daylight Saving Time and Darker Evenings
November is one of the most dangerous months for pedestrians; it’s the end of daylight saving time. In early November, clocks fall back an hour. That shift pushes the evening commute into darkness almost immediately.
Millions of drivers who are used to a well-lit drive home suddenly find themselves navigating streets, intersections, and crosswalks in low light. Pedestrians become harder to spot, especially in poorly lit areas. Studies have shown a sharp spike in pedestrian accidents in the weeks right after the time change.
Winter Weather Adds Another Layer of Risk
Winter weather also contributes to pedestrian accidents. In colder states, snow and ice cover sidewalks and roads. Drivers need more time and distance to stop. Pedestrians can be forced into the streets when sidewalks are impassable, or they can fall on black ice near vehicles.
Fog is a serious concern in other regions. California's Central Valley, for example, is known for Tule fog, a dense ground fog that quickly reduces visibility to just a few feet. This regional fog contributes to some of the worst multi-vehicle and pedestrian accidents in the state each winter.
The Holiday Season Brings More Risks to Pedestrians
The holidays bring heavier foot traffic in shopping areas and parking lots. More people are out walking, often carrying bags or distracted by their phones.
At the same time, drivers face their own distractions. Holiday parties and gatherings lead to an increase in drunk driving. Rushed schedules and packed to-do lists contribute to a spike in speeding and distracted driving.
This combination of increased pedestrian traffic and impaired or distracted drivers makes late November through New Year's one of the riskier stretches of the year for anyone attempting to cross the street.
Back to School Season in Late Summer
Late August and September is back-to-school time for most children across the country. Millions of students are walking, biking, and crossing streets near schools and bus stops. As pedestrians, children can be unpredictable, so drivers should be extra vigilant around them.
Drivers also need to readjust quickly after a summer with lighter traffic around schools. Crossing guards, stopped school buses, and reduced speed limits in school zones all become part of the daily commute again.
What Can Pedestrians Do to Stay Safe Year Round?
While risk levels shift throughout the year, pedestrian safety is a year-round responsibility.
Drivers must:
Slow down
Avoid distractions
Follow all traffic signals and laws
Always yield for pedestrians
Pedestrians can also help reduce their risk of being hit by a vehicle:
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Wear bright or reflective clothing when visibility is low.
Avoid distractions like phones while walking near traffic.
Use marked crosswalks whenever possible.
Stay alert near school zones, parking lots, and bus stops.
Pedestrian accidents can happen at any time of year, but knowing when risks increase can help both drivers and pedestrians make smarter choices. Awareness is one of the most effective tools we have for reducing serious pedestrian injuries and deaths.
Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm explains why legal help is crucial after a pedestrian accident: "Pedestrians have little protection in a collision with a car. Their injuries are usually serious, and even catastrophic. By hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer immediately, they don't have to settle for what the insurance company is offering, especially when their medical bills and long-term care needs will be so high."
