Given the recent rise in pedestrian fatalities, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is urging drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and watch out for one another.

So far this year in Indiana, 96 pedestrians have been killed and 1,272 injured in traffic crashes, according to preliminary data from ICJI. That amounts to eight more fatalities or a 9% increase compared to this time last year.

More pedestrian fatalities are occurring in urban areas than rural with Marion, Allen and Lake counties seeing the highest number of fatalities. Combined, these three counties alone accounted for half of the pedestrian fatalities in the state.

“Although safety is a two-way street, pedestrians and bicyclists are at an inherent disadvantage,” said Devon McDonald, executive director of ICJI. “Drivers need to do their part in preventing these injuries and fatalities by slowing down, being mindful of pedestrians and following the rules of the road.”

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month.

Motorists are encouraged to watch out for pedestrians at all times but especially in inclement weather and late in the afternoon. Data from ICJI show the highest number of collisions occurred last year between 3 and 6 p.m.

Drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians, and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk because pedestrians might be crossing that are difficult to see.

Also important in keeping pedestrians safe are following the speed limit, being extra cautious when backing up and never driving impaired.

“It’s starting to get darker earlier now, and as we move into fall weather, people need to be extra vigilant,” said Robert Duckworth, traffic safety director for ICJI. “October is the deadliest month for pedestrians. Let’s change that by working together and always erring on the safe side.”

Motorists aren’t the only ones who need to be extra careful. It’s important for pedestrians to stay alert at all times and walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk isn’t available, pedestrians are encouraged to walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. They also should cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers would expect pedestrians.

It’s also important to look for vehicles in all directions, paying special attention to cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. For pedestrians, increasing visibility by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or using a flashlight at night is another important safety precaution.

For information about pedestrian safety, visit nhtsa.gov/pedestrians.

Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer said locally, he was only able to locate three pedestrians hit on Interstate 65 while trying to cross the interstate and the wreck on State Road 258 where some juveniles were struck and killed several years ago.

“I also saw one in Medora and one in Brownstown. Seymour has had a few,” Meyer said. “When it’s dark or any time there is low visibility is the most dangerous time for pedestrians to be struck by vehicles. Also, when vehicles are backing or making turns is dangerous.”

Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson said cycling has been a part of his life since he was just a few years old.

“I can remember riding from our home on Brown Street around Freeman Field and back when I was in elementary school,” Nicholson said. “I am sure Mom and Dad didn’t always want us to, but we did often.”

He wanted his daughters to have the same kind of memories as they grew up, so they rode often and on a regular basis with members of the Jackson County Bicycle Club.

“Cycling riders need to remember that they are considered a vehicle by Indiana Code and should follow all traffic laws, including going with traffic,” Nicholson said. “Much like most drivers will run a few miles per hour over the speed limit or glancing at a text, we all have our bad habits, and for cyclists, that means rolling trough stop signs.”

While Nicholson won’t condone any of these actions, he will encourage cyclists to use common sense and avoid doing this when other vehicles are in the area for their own safety.

“Just a reminder, cyclists are allowed to take the lane, especially at intersections,” he said. “Oftentimes, serious injuries and fatalities are from right turns where a vehicle will try to pass a cyclist just prior to an intersection and then make a right turn directly in front of them, giving them nowhere to go. Drivers should be cautious at intersections.”

Nicholson said he knows the COVID-19 pandemic brought people back to outdoor activities last year, and he wonders if the 9% increase is due to more pedestrian traffic overall.

“Lastly, I will touch on walkers and runners. They are encouraged to go against traffic for safety reasons,” he said. “Please remember to give all pedestrians more room when you are out because that is someone’s dad, mom, husband, wife, son or daughter you are protecting by taking a few extra seconds.”