🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ October is National Pedestrian Safety Month in Coos County! As we head into cooler evenings and Halloween fun, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling on all of us to slow down and stay alert for pedestrians. Tragically, a pedestrian dies every 72 minutes, and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes nationwide. In 2023 alone, an estimated 68,244 pedestrians were injured and 7,314 were killed—that's 18% of all traffic fatalities, a stark reminder that this affects our entire community. Here in Coos County, from our coastal paths to downtown streets, we all share the roads as drivers and pedestrians. Let's make safety a habit: Key Driving Tips from NHTSA: • Extra caution in low visibility—77% of 2023 pedestrian fatalities happened in the dark. • Stick to speed limits, especially near schools, neighborhoods, and trick-or-treat zones. • Drive sober—alcohol was involved in 46% of fatal pedestrian crashes last year. • Always stop for folks in crosswalks. • Scan for pedestrians everywhere and cut down on blind spots. • Never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk—someone might be crossing out of sight. With Halloween just weeks away, expect more little ghosts and goblins darting around after dark. Keep an eye out and give them space! Together, we can keep our bayside walks and streets safe for everyone. What's one pedestrian safety tip you'll commit to this month? 👻 For more resources, visit NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian. #PedestrianSafetyMonth #WalkSafeCoosCounty #HalloweenSafety #CoosCountySheriff