The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office will be joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in reminding drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other to avoid accidents during October’s National Pedestrian Safety Month.
In 2021, 7,388 pedestrians were killed nationwide in car crashes, according to NHTSA. These deaths represented 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. NHTSA said alcohol use by drivers and pedestrians contributes to these deaths and was involved in 49% of the fatalities in 2021. An estimated 30% of pedestrians and 19% of drivers had blood alcohol levels over the legal limit.
Time of day is also a factor, with 77% of pedestrian deaths occurring during darkness. In almost a quarter of pedestrian deaths in 2021, the driver left the scene.