NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County officials are urging residents to stay vigilant on roadways as part of a renewed pedestrian safety campaign aimed at reducing preventable crashes and saving lives.
The effort comes as pedestrian injuries continue to pose a significant public safety challenge across New York. According to state traffic safety data, 208 pedestrians were killed or injured in crashes in Rockland County during 2024, reflecting a broader statewide trend that sees more than 300 pedestrians killed and thousands injured each year.
Pedestrians account for nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in New York state, according to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository.
County officials said many pedestrian crashes occur at intersections or while individuals are crossing roadways. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield the right of way, alcohol use and inadequate crossing infrastructure.
“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility,” county officials said in announcing the campaign. “These incidents are preventable when drivers and pedestrians follow basic safety practices and existing traffic laws.”
The county is encouraging pedestrians to use marked crosswalks whenever possible, obey traffic signals and establish eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway. Residents are also advised to avoid distractions such as texting while walking, increase visibility at night by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight, and walk facing traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.
Transportation safety advocates note that pedestrian injuries often result from a combination of human behavior and roadway design, making education and infrastructure improvements equally important components of prevention efforts.
Rockland County officials said they support a comprehensive approach to pedestrian safety that includes public awareness campaigns, targeted traffic enforcement and engineering improvements designed to make roads safer for everyone.
The county’s latest initiative carries the message: “Eyes on the Road, Rockland. Stay alert. Follow the rules. Look out for one another.”
The pedestrian safety campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant administered by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
Additional information about pedestrian and roadway safety programs is available through the Rockland County Safe Streets initiative.
