New York J 237: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as Pedestrian Safety Month in the State of New York

Bill Text

Senate Resolution No. 237
Senator MURRAYBY:
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaimMEMORIALIZING
October 2025, as Pedestrian Safety Month in the
State of New York
It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognizeWHEREAS,
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
safety issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with itsWHEREAS,
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as
Pedestrian Safety Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Pedestrian Safety Month; and
In New York State approximately 300 pedestrians are killedWHEREAS,
each year and countless more pedestrians and cyclists are injured each
year; and
On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash everyWHEREAS,
71 minutes and injured in a traffic crash every nine minutes in the
United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA); and
The NHTSA reports that pedestrian deaths account for 17% ofWHEREAS,
all traffic fatalities and there are over 60,000 pedestrians injured
annually in the United States; and
Pedestrian injuries and deaths could be eliminated if bothWHEREAS,
motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians took a little extra caution at
crosswalks and on roadways; and
In New York State, pedestrian fatalities and injuriesWHEREAS,
involving motor vehicles have annual societal impacts that cost the
state billions of dollars; and
The highest pedestrian death rate is for older adults; andWHEREAS,
There is also a disproportionate occurrence of pedestrianWHEREAS,
injuries and fatalities within disadvantaged populations living in areas
of high need, including upon children walking to school in suburban and
urban settings; and
The United States Department of Transportation, with theWHEREAS,
backing of the NHTSA, has dedicated the month of October to protecting
pedestrians and motorists from traffic accidents by implementing a
national program called the Safe System Approach in January 2022, which
utilizes proactive and preemptive measures to mitigate traffic-related
collisions, injuries, and fatalities; and
By spreading awareness and disseminating information withWHEREAS,

prominence throughout October, proponents of the NHTSA's Safe System
Approach hope to see nationwide behavioral alterations that gear
road-users toward more cautious travel, thereby reducing injuries and
fatalities of pedestrians; and
By highlighting the Safe System Approach throughoutWHEREAS,
October, National Pedestrian Safety Month facilitates an environment
that enhances welfare by highlighting a specific safety aim each week of
the month; and further, the order of emphasis for each week is Safer
People, Safer Speeds and Safer Roads, Safer Vehicles, and Post-Crash
Care; and
Pedestrian safety improvement strategies are promoted byWHEREAS,
NHTSA during National Pedestrian Safety Month, including yielding to
pedestrians, putting down electronic devices while walking, donning of
helmets, wearing of seatbelts, sporting of reflective attire, crosswalk
safety skills, driving at appropriate speeds, using lights, and calling
for emergency response teams; and
It is imperative that there be greater public awareness andWHEREAS,
focus on the elimination of this serious issue, and more must be done to
increase activity at the State, local and national levels to implement
new safety countermeasures to prevent pedestrian injuries and
fatalities; now, therefore, be it
That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations toRESOLVED,
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2025, as
Pedestrian Safety Month the State of New York; and be it further
That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, beRESOLVED,
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.