Gov. Andy Beshear Notes October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

‘We’re asking every driver to watch for pedestrians’

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2022) – Gov. Andy Beshear, whose Better Kentucky Plan includes an emphasis on highway safety, today announced that October is National Pedestrian Safety Month.

“We’re asking every driver to watch for pedestrians as you would if it was one of your friends or family members, and we’re asking every pedestrian to be fully aware of your surroundings,” said Gov. Beshear. “In any crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is far more likely to be killed or injured. Practical habits, especially putting your phone down while driving or walking, can save dozens of Kentuckians’ lives every year.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote National Pedestrian Safety Month.

Staying alert is especially important as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches and it gets dark earlier. According to NHTSA, most crash-related pedestrian fatalities occur at night.

Of 75 pedestrian deaths in Kentucky last year, 60 occurred after dark. So far this year, there have been 62 pedestrian deaths, 39 of which occurred after dark.

“Motorists and pedestrians share a responsibility to help everyone reach their destination safely,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “In addition, the KYTC is dedicated to equipping all road users with a safe, connected, comfortable, equitable and accessible transportation network.”

The KOHS and NHTSA recommend the following behaviors to improve safety for all road users:

Motorists:

1. Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases risk for all road users.


2. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Be especially careful at intersections when turning onto another street.


3. Keep your windshield, windows and mirrors clean so you can scan the road ahead and establish a “visual lead.”


4. Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react in time to brake for pedestrians.


5. Slow down and turn on your headlights during evening hours when you need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.


6. Be aware in neighborhoods and school zones. Children are often the smallest pedestrians, making them harder to see. Additionally, younger children may dart into intersections without understanding the dangers.


7. Drive sober. As with pedestrians, alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time. Always make a plan for a safe ride home.


8. Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt gives you the best protection against injury and death.

Pedestrians:

1. Use crosswalks when available. Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles.


2. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, walk facing traffic.


3. Don’t depend on the traffic signal to protect you. Motorists may be distracted, especially when adjusting to the nighttime travel environment.


4. Increase visibility, especially at night. Carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing or attach reflective materials - such as fluorescent tape - to clothing, backpacks, purses and briefcases. These materials reflect light from headlights back to drivers, making it easier to see you.


5. Just because you can see a motorist does not mean the motorist can see you. If you cannot make eye contact or do not see the driver slow down for you, wait until the vehicle passes, even if you have the right of way.


6. Put the phone down and pay attention. Distraction changes the way you walk, react and behave, including safety-related behaviors.


7. Use caution if intoxicated. While you may be doing the right thing by not drinking and driving, risk still exists. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time, so always make a plan for a safe ride home.

Visit www.walksafeky.com for logos and additional information.

Gov. Andy Beshear Announces Publication of ‘Complete Streets, Roads and Highways Manual’ to Promote Equitable, Safe Transportation

Updated guidance for transportation planners, agencies promote roadway design that serves motorized, pedestrian and cyclist populations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2022) – Gov. Andy Beshear, whose Better Kentucky Plan includes improved transportation for all users of the state’s highway system, today announced the publication of the “Complete Streets, Roads and Highways Manual.” Produced by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), the manual provides guidance for transportation planning organizations and agencies to promote equitable and safe roadway designs that prioritize safety, convenience and comfort for all road users.

The new manual, which is available online here, represents the first update in 20 years of Kentucky’s pedestrian and bicycle travel policy.

“Highway safety has been one of my top priorities,” Gov. Beshear said. “And that means safety for everyone who uses our transportation system – motorists, motorcyclists, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians. This provides valuable guidance to equip transportation industry partners across all levels to consider multi-modal systems when planning to support equity and accessibility in communities.”

The new ‘Complete Streets’ manual was designed to equip transportation planners, engineers, agencies and all Kentucky communities with guidance, recommendations and resources. The manual was developed with input from federal, state, and local transportation partners. It can be updated as technology advances and best practices evolve.

“This new, all-inclusive multi-modal transportation plan is smart and safe, and something we can be proud of. This is exciting for Kentucky,” Bike Walk Kentucky board member Sharon Brown said.

KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said a “complete street” is safe and accommodating for all users. Its design can vary according to land use, corridor characteristics and types of travelers who are expected to use it. As a concept, it also can be adapted for all types of communities – urban, suburban, small town and rural. Implementation may include a dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, such as bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), sidewalks, crosswalks, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, roadway reconfigurations and roundabouts.

“Historically, streets, roads and highways were designed around cars and trucks. Today, our transportation planners and designers approach their tasks holistically, taking the needs of all users into account and building accordingly,” Secretary Gray said. “There’s no one-size fits all recommendation as roadway features must be tailored to fit the community context. As a recreational cyclist, I know safety is not just about statistics, it’s also a feeling. I’m proud of the strides made to expand mobility in communities and to give Kentuckians more safe travel options they feel comfortable using.”

To elevate the state’s safety and equity priority, Secretary Gray signed an official order outlining KYTC’s policy to meet needs of all users and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act when planning, building, rehabilitating and maintaining all state-maintained streets and roads. The users include motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, transit and freight, benefitting people of all ages and abilities.

EDITORS NOTE: Click here for a photo of a shared use path in Berea, Kentucky on KY 595. Click here for a photo of Town Branch Commons in Lexington.