Pedestrian Safety for Drivers, Older Adults, Kids and People With Disabilities

Pedestrian safety is a pressing issue in the U.S., with over 7,000 fatalities and 60,000 injuries in 2021. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average auto liability claim for bodily injury was $24,211 in 2022 — meanwhile, a hospital stay in the U.S. costs, on average, $2,883 per day.

To avoid pedestrian accidents, drivers must practice vigilance, adhere to speed limits and engage safely, while pedestrians should use crosswalks, stay visible and remain alert. Special attention is needed for pedestrians with disabilities and older adults who face unique challenges in navigation. Mobile apps can play a supportive role through real-time safety updates and navigation assistance. For children, early education in road safety habits is critical.

As a driver, you have to be vigilant, considerate and proactive to prevent accidents. Practice safe driving habits such as minimizing distractions, adhering to speed limits and yielding to pedestrians. Ensure a safer environment for everyone on the road with these tips:

These apps provide real-time traffic updates, prevent distracted driving and help drivers practice safe driving habits:

• Waze. Offers live traffic updates and alerts on crash-prone roads, helping drivers navigate safely and efficiently.
• LifeSaver. Blocks phone use while driving to keep drivers' attention on the road and pedestrians.
• DriveMode. Simplifies phone interactions for safer driving, reducing risks for pedestrians.
• RoadReady. Logs driving practice hours and conditions, helping new drivers gain experience in various scenarios, including pedestrian-dense areas.
• Brake To Die. A game that encourages drivers to stay alert and responsive, indirectly promoting safer driving habits near pedestrians.

Be proactive and mindful of your surroundings to ensure safety on the roads. Use crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers. Stay alert, avoid distractions and always adhere to traffic signals. Take these safety tips for pedestrians to prevent accidents:

For the everyday pedestrian, these apps offer a range of tools to improve safety and navigation, from providing optimal walking routes to alerting users about potential hazards:

• Google Maps. This provides pedestrian routes and real-time updates on sidewalk closures or hazards.
• Crosswalk Timer. Offers a countdown for traffic lights, aiding safe crossing decisions.
• MapMyWalk. It helps pedestrians plan and track their walking routes, ensuring safer journeys.
• Sidewalk Buddy. Allows users to view their surroundings on-screen while using their phone, reducing distraction-related risks.
• WalkSafe. Scans the road ahead for potential hazards, providing pedestrians with real-time safety alerts.
• Companion. Allows friends or family to accompany the user virtually , ensuring safety during walks especially in less familiar or higher-risk areas.

For older adults, pedestrian safety involves careful planning and heightened awareness due to mobility, vision and reaction time changes. Prioritize safe routes with good lighting and sidewalks, wear sturdy shoes and use walking aids as needed. These safety tips can help older adults navigate streets and crossings more effectively:

These apps support the mobility and safety of older adults. They offer solutions ranging from emergency assistance to fall detection and cognitive exercises:

• SilverRide. Offers scheduled and on-demand transportation services for seniors, with added support for those with mobility challenges.
• GoodSAM. It connects users with nearby medically trained volunteers and off-duty professionals in case of a medical emergency.
• FallSafety Home. Utilizes the phone's sensors to detect falls, automatically alerting emergency contacts. It is ideal for older adults who enjoy walking but may be at risk of falls.
• Luminosity. Offers games and activities to keep the mind sharp, promoting cognitive health, which is crucial for awareness and safety in navigating as pedestrians.

Pedestrians with disabilities should use mobility aids with high-visibility accessories and plan routes with accessible features like curb cuts. Always communicate your needs and carry your ID. Take these safety tips to enhance your mobility and safety on the road:

These apps designed for individuals with disabilities facilitate safer navigation through innovative features like real-time visual assistance, 3D audio mapping and accessible route planning:

• Aira. Connects blind or low-vision users to trained agents who provide real-time visual information, aiding navigation and obstacle avoidance.
• Be My Eyes. Connects visually impaired users with volunteers who assist with navigation and other visual tasks through live video calls.
• Soundscape. Offers a 3D sound map of the environment, helping visually impaired users understand their surroundings and navigate safely.
• Wheelmap. It helps users find and mark wheelchair-accessible locations, making planning routes and navigating public spaces easier.
• BlindSquare. Combines GPS and voice technology to provide location information, making outdoor navigation safer and more accessible.

Instill pedestrian safety habits in children early on. Start with basic pedestrian safety rules, like looking both ways before crossing and using crosswalks. Reinforce these through practice and role modeling. Follow these tips to teach children traffic and road safety in an engaging yet effective way:

Combine learning with play when you teach kids essential safety rules and awareness. Use these apps:

• Green Cross Code Man. Teaches children the Green Cross Code — a simple and effective way to remember key pedestrian safety steps — through engaging, interactive content.
• Safety Town. It is an interactive game that guides children through a virtual town, teaching them about pedestrian and road safety in various real-life scenarios.
• Zebra Crossing. This is a game that simulates zebra crossings, teaching kids the importance of using crosswalks and observing traffic signals.
• Traffic Dodger. This game helps children understand the importance of staying alert as pedestrians, teaching them to navigate through traffic safely in a virtual environment.
• Crossy Road. It is a game to teach children the importance of looking out for cars and timing their crossings safely.
• WalkSafe Kids. It provides children with alerts about their surroundings, teaching them to be more aware of potential hazards while walking.