LITTLE ROCK — October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. To encourage Arkansans to work together to make the state’s roadways safe for all road users – including pedestrians and bicyclists – the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office will launch a new fall campaign called the “Fourth Wall.” The campaign will run from October 7 to October 19.
According to recent data, there were 7,522 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States, accounting for 18% of all traffic deaths in 2022. That’s 21 pedestrians killed a day and 145 pedestrians killed a week. Urban areas remain particularly hazardous, accounting for 85% of pedestrian fatalities, with most incidents (78%) occurring between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Arkansas has also seen an increased number of pedestrian fatalities, with 79 tragic deaths in 2022.
"Many of us fail to realize that pedestrians and cyclists are often at higher risk on our roadways,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “Whether walking, cycling or driving, every Arkansan can help make Arkansas a safer place for all road users by staying alert, following safety guidelines and taking responsibility for road safety.”