All articles tagged with #pedestrian safety
Kansas City has reduced traffic fatalities by 30% in 2025 through its Vision Zero program, which includes road redesigns and safety infrastructure, but advocates emphasize the need for faster and more equitable improvements to reach zero traffic deaths by 2030.
The California Highway Patrol highlights new public safety laws taking effect in 2026, including regulations on burglary tools, electric bicycle safety, pedestrian zones, speed enforcement, vehicle storage, and upcoming standards for electric and autonomous vehicles, aimed at enhancing safety and security across the state.
Country singer Conner Smith killed 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins with his truck in Nashville but was only charged with a misdemeanor for failure to yield, highlighting ongoing issues with road safety and pedestrian protection in the U.S.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlights that taller vehicles, such as SUVs and light trucks, pose a greater danger to pedestrians, especially at higher speeds. The research indicates that the risk of serious injury or fatality increases more rapidly for taller vehicles compared to shorter ones. This has prompted calls for federal safety standards addressing vehicle hood height and design to protect pedestrians. With pedestrian fatalities rising significantly since 2009, there is a push for regulations and technologies like automatic emergency braking to enhance road safety.
Waymo has released what it claims is the largest dataset of pedestrian and cyclist injuries in the US, aiming to improve the safety of autonomous vehicles. The study, conducted in partnership with dash cam company Nexar, analyzed 335 crashes involving vulnerable road users across six cities, with a focus on New York City. The research highlights the risks posed by unexpected pedestrian actions and visual obstructions, and aims to inform safer AV technology. Waymo's findings could also benefit other companies in the autonomous vehicle industry.
A foreign woman suffered injuries after walking into a bus at Tokyo's busy Shibuya Scramble intersection, likely distracted by her phone. Despite Japan's signal light systems designed to prevent such accidents, the incident highlights the importance of staying alert while crossing busy streets.
A family of three, including a 1-year-old baby, was tragically killed at a San Francisco bus stop while waiting to visit the zoo, after being struck by a white Mercedes SUV driven by a 78-year-old woman. The sole survivor, an infant, remains in critical condition. The driver has been arrested on multiple charges. The community held a vigil to mourn the family's loss, and officials are working to improve pedestrian safety in the area.
A 78-year-old driver was arrested in San Francisco for a deadly crash at a bus stop that killed three people, including a child, and left an infant in critical condition. The driver faces multiple felony charges, and the incident marks the city's fifth, sixth, and seventh pedestrian deaths this year. The police investigation is ongoing, and a vigil for the crash victims is scheduled.
A 78-year-old woman was arrested in San Francisco's West Portal after crashing her SUV into a bus shelter, killing a couple and their toddler while leaving their baby with life-threatening injuries. The community is grieving and plans to hold a vigil for the victims. Advocates for pedestrian safety are calling for more measures to prevent such tragedies, including the closure of the intersection where the crash occurred.
A car struck a bus shelter near the West Portal Muni station in San Francisco, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving an infant in critical condition. The incident has prompted calls for pedestrian safety improvements in the area, with pedestrian advocates expressing concern over the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in the city. The San Francisco police are currently investigating the crash, and a vigil is planned for the victims at the crash site.
Two people, including a child, were killed and three others injured when a car crashed into a San Francisco bus stop. The victims' identities were not released, and the cause of the crash is still unclear. The incident has sparked grief and outrage, with pedestrian advocates calling for action to improve safety in the city. This marks the city's fifth and sixth pedestrian deaths this year, prompting renewed calls for San Francisco to more aggressively use tools to prevent traffic deaths.
An 8-year-old boy was killed and his 10-year-old brother injured after being struck by a truck in East Elmhurst. The driver, a 52-year-old man, accelerated too quickly while making a left turn and hit the children and a woman crossing the intersection. The 8-year-old died at the scene, while his brother was taken to the hospital in stable condition. The driver is in custody, and charges against him are pending. The investigation is ongoing.
Hoboken, New Jersey, has successfully eliminated traffic deaths for seven years by implementing Vision Zero guidelines, including the removal of parking spaces near intersections to improve visibility. While the plan has faced criticism from some business owners, the city's approach also includes lower speed limits, staggered traffic lights, and infrastructure changes such as widening curbs and shortening crosswalks. Other major U.S. cities have integrated aspects of the program into their safety plans, and states like California have enacted laws prohibiting parking near intersections to enhance pedestrian safety.
The San Diego Police Department posted a video on Instagram reminding Apple Vision Pro users to prioritize pedestrian safety and cross streets without the headset's obstruction. While the device allows users to see their surroundings through passthrough cameras, it may not provide the same clarity as reality, especially in low light. Concerns have also been raised about the use of the headset while driving, prompting warnings from government officials and Apple's own user guide.
San Diego police officers were stunned to encounter a man wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset crossing a street, prompting a reminder about pedestrian safety. The department urged people to keep virtual experiences on the sidewalk and cross streets with unobstructed vision. A TikTok video showed the man making selections from a virtual menu while wearing the headset, and the incident sparked a humorous social media exchange with the police department. Apple launched the Vision Pro with a starting price of $3,499 earlier this year.