October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and here in Colorado, the timing couldn’t be more important.
As we move further into fall, the days are getting shorter. Morning commutes are darker, evening activities increasingly happen after sunset, and drivers and pedestrians have fewer daylight hours to see one another.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents continue to be a serious problem across Colorado.
In 2025, 127 pedestrians were killed on Colorado roadways, nearly double the number from just 10 years earlier. Pedestrians now account for nearly one in five traffic fatalities in the state.
October and November are historically Colorado’s deadliest months for pedestrians, accounting for 21.5% of pedestrian fatalities between 2015 and 2024.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or walking through your neighborhood, a few extra seconds of attention can make a significant difference.
Why Fall Can Be Especially Dangerous for Pedestrians
Visibility is one of the biggest concerns.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 78 pedestrian fatalities occurred in dark conditions in 2024, accounting for 65% of all pedestrian fatalities that year
As daylight hours decrease, drivers should be especially alert during early morning and evening hours.
That means slowing down in neighborhoods, watching carefully when turning at intersections, staying off your phone and looking for pedestrians before entering a crosswalk.
For pedestrians, it means staying alert, using sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible, and making yourself easier for drivers to see when walking after dark.
Know the Rules at Colorado Crosswalks
Drivers and pedestrians both have responsibilities when sharing the road.
In Colorado, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, including unmarked crosswalks at intersections when it is safe for the pedestrian to cross.
Drivers should also remember that a green light doesn’t necessarily mean the path ahead is clear. Before turning, look for pedestrians who may be crossing the street you’re entering.
Pedestrians have responsibilities, too. When crossing somewhere other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, pedestrians generally must yield to vehicles. Pedestrians should also follow traffic and pedestrian signals and avoid suddenly entering the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop safely.
Knowing who has the right-of-way is important. But avoiding a crash is always more important than proving who had it.
A Few Extra Seconds Can Make a Difference
For drivers, pedestrian safety starts with some simple habits:
- Slow down, especially in neighborhoods and areas with heavy foot traffic.
- Put your phone away and avoid other distractions.
- Check crosswalks before turning.
- Look in all directions for pedestrians, especially when backing out of a driveway or parking space.
- Use extra caution at night and during low-light conditions.
- Never drive impaired.
Pedestrians can help reduce their risk by using sidewalks and crosswalks when available, staying alert while crossing, looking for vehicles turning in every direction and making themselves more visible after dark.
And remember: never assume a driver sees you.
What If You’re Hit by a Vehicle?
Even when you’re doing everything right, pedestrian crashes can still happen.
If you are struck by a vehicle, seek medical attention and report the crash to law enforcement. If you’re able, gather information about the driver and vehicle, take photos, and get contact information from anyone who witnessed what happened.
And don’t assume that you don’t have a case simply because the driver or an insurance company says you were partially or completely at fault.
LS Injury Law has represented pedestrians injured in serious crashes, including cases where insurance companies initially refused to accept responsibility or pay available benefits.
The circumstances surrounding every pedestrian accident are different. Understanding what happened may require reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, examining insurance coverage and, in some cases, conducting a more detailed investigation.
Share the Road and Look Out for Each Other
Pedestrian Safety Month is a good reminder that at some point, we’re all pedestrians.
Whether you’re walking through a parking lot, crossing a busy intersection, heading to school or simply taking an evening walk through your neighborhood, everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely.
Drivers: slow down, stay alert and look twice.
Pedestrians: stay visible, use designated crossings when possible and pay attention to the traffic around you.
And if you or someone you love is injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have to determine on your own whether you have a case.
Contact LS Injury Law to tell us what happened and learn more about your options.