Greetings, Fleet Champions!
Did you know that October is Pedestrian Safety Month? At NTSI, we’re fully on board with NHTSA’s mission to keep pedestrians safe and spread the word. Why does NTSI, a leader in fleet driver safety training, care so much about pedestrian safety? Because at some point, everyone is a pedestrian. Whether you’re stepping out of your vehicle, heading into a meeting, or just walking to your fleet vehicle, pedestrian safety is part of the bigger picture—keeping everyone on the road safe is our core mission. That’s why it’s essential for both drivers and pedestrians to share the road safely and responsibly.
Pedestrian safety is more than just being aware of pedestrians; it’s a critical issue for all drivers, especially fleet operators and professional drivers. In 2022 alone, 7,522 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic crashes across the U.S., with most fatalities occurring in urban areas and under dark conditions. These numbers highlight the serious dangers pedestrians face, whether crossing busy streets or walking alongside vehicles. As the holiday season approaches and daylight hours shorten, the risks increase—not just for pedestrians, but also for drivers and the overall costs associated with fleet operations. Preventing incidents helps protect lives and avoid the substantial financial impacts that come with collisions, making safety a win for everyone.
At NTSI, we’ve spent over 50 years working toward SAFER roads for everyone. We’re not here to teach your fleet drivers how to operate a vehicle—if they have been hired, we imagine that they’ve got that part covered! What our focus is on is behavior modification, and empowering drivers to make informed, responsible decisions behind the wheel. By fostering personal responsibility and positive driving attitudes, NTSI’s mission is to change driving behaviors for the better, making roads SAFER for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
So with that in mind, and with everyone sharing the road, crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections, let’s keep safety top of mind:
Fleet drivers, stay sharp!
- Stay vigilant in high-traffic zones: School zones, parking lots, and city streets all present different challenges. Be ready to slow down and stop when needed.
- Anticipate pedestrian movement: Pedestrians can be unpredictable, especially in crosswalks or intersections. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to yield.
- Mind your blind spots: Always double-check mirrors and be cautious when making turns or reversing, as pedestrians can easily enter your blind spots.
- Frequent stops = frequent awareness: Delivery drivers, this one’s for you! Constantly stopping means constantly scanning for pedestrians stepping into your path, both when you park and when you get back on the road.
- Avoid distractions: Whether it’s a phone, GPS, or in-cabin tech, distractions can pull your focus away from pedestrians. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings at all times.
Pedestrians, do your part!
- Make eye contact with drivers: Especially when crossing streets or in parking lots. Don’t assume they’ve seen you!
- Stay predictable: Use crosswalks, follow signals, and avoid darting out between parked cars or other obstacles.
- Wear visible clothing at night: High-visibility gear can make all the difference when walking in low-light conditions.
- Be aware of vehicle blind spots: Large fleet vehicles have wider blind spots, so never assume a driver can see you.
- Stay off your phone: Avoid texting or using your phone while crossing streets. Being fully alert helps you stay aware of nearby vehicles, especially large fleet trucks with wider blind spots.
At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get from point A to point B—whether on foot or behind the wheel. At NTSI, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. So, let’s keep our heads up, our eyes open, and make sure that no matter which side of the crosswalk we’re on, everyone gets home safely!
Stay safe!
