October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month: Simon Perdue Law Urges Drivers and Communities to Make Streets Safer Ahead of Halloween

Houston trial attorneys Joel Simon and Ryan Perdue highlight driver awareness, nighttime visibility, and safer road infrastructure to help prevent serious pedestrian injuries.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- October is Pedestrian Safety Month, making it an important time to raise awareness about the risks pedestrians face and the steps drivers and communities can take to prevent serious crashes. With Halloween approaching and more children and families walking through neighborhoods after dark, Simon Perdue Law, PLLC, is urging everyone to prioritize pedestrian safety, responsible driving, and safer streets.

Pedestrian crashes can have devastating consequences, particularly when reduced visibility, distracted driving, or unsafe roadway conditions contribute to a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 7,080 pedestrians were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, and approximately 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in dark conditions.

"October is a timely reminder that pedestrian safety requires attention from everyone who uses our roads," said Joel Simon, attorney at Simon Perdue Law, PLLC. "As Halloween approaches, drivers need to slow down in residential neighborhoods, eliminate distractions, and watch carefully for children crossing streets or walking between parked cars. A moment of inattention can have life-changing consequences."

Halloween Brings Increased Pedestrian Safety Concerns

Halloween creates additional risks because children may be walking after sunset, wearing dark costumes, or crossing streets more frequently than usual. Parked vehicles, limited lighting, and distracted driving can make pedestrians more difficult to see.

Simon Perdue Law encourages drivers to take the following precautions throughout October and especially on Halloween night:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and allow extra time to react to unexpected hazards.
• Put away phones and avoid distractions while driving.
• Watch for pedestrians at intersections, driveways, and between parked vehicles.
• Use headlights in low-light conditions and ensure they are functioning properly.
• Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Yield appropriately at crosswalks and check carefully before turning.

Pedestrians can also reduce risks by wearing bright or reflective clothing, carrying flashlights, using designated crossings, and staying alert around traffic. Parents should accompany younger children and establish clear routes for older trick-or-treaters.

"Drivers cannot assume that a pedestrian will always be easy to see, especially after dark," said Ryan Perdue, attorney at Simon Perdue Law, PLLC. "Staying alert, reducing speed, and anticipating that children may enter the roadway unexpectedly are essential precautions. Pedestrian safety should be a priority every day, but Halloween is an especially important time to put those habits into practice."

Safer Infrastructure Is Essential to Protecting Pedestrians

October's focus on pedestrian safety also highlights the importance of road design. Missing sidewalks, inadequate lighting, poorly marked crosswalks, and roads that encourage high speeds can increase risks for people walking, particularly children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Communities can help prevent serious crashes through improved street lighting, clearly marked crossings, accessible sidewalks, pedestrian signals, and traffic-calming measures. Reviewing crash data and identifying dangerous intersections can also help local officials determine where safety improvements are most needed.

"Pedestrian safety cannot depend on individual awareness alone," Perdue added. "Roads should be designed to account for the people who walk along and across them. Better lighting, safer crossings, and appropriate traffic-calming measures can help reduce the risk of serious injuries and make neighborhoods safer for everyone."

Preventing Pedestrian Injuries Starts With Awareness

A pedestrian collision can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, permanent disabilities, or death. Survivors may face extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term financial challenges.

Simon Perdue Law encourages anyone involved in a pedestrian crash to seek prompt medical attention and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. When possible, photographs, witness information, and other evidence can help document the circumstances of the collision.

Determining legal responsibility requires examining the specific facts, including driver conduct, roadway conditions, visibility, and applicable law.

Throughout Pedestrian Safety Month, Simon Perdue Law encourages drivers, pedestrians, and local communities to take practical steps to prevent avoidable injuries. As Halloween approaches, the firm emphasizes that slowing down, staying visible, and investing in safer streets can help protect families and reduce the risk of tragedy.

"Every pedestrian deserves to reach their destination safely," Simon said. "October gives us an opportunity to reinforce that message, but the commitment must continue throughout the year. Awareness, responsible driving, and safer roadways can make a meaningful difference."

For more pedestrian safety information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Pedestrian Safety resources.

About Simon Perdue Law, PLLC

Simon Perdue Law, PLLC is a New Mexico based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families harmed by negligence. The firm's attorneys handle a broad range of personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, construction accidents, premises liability claims, wrongful death cases, and catastrophic injury litigation. Simon Perdue Law, PLLC is committed to protecting the rights of injury victims and pursuing justice on their behalf throughout New Mexico and Texas.

To contact Simon Perdue Law, PLLC for legal representation, visit the firm's website at: https://www.simonperduelaw.com/

For media inquiries, reach out to Shannon Pecca at [email protected]

SOURCE Simon Perdue Law PLLC