October shouldn’t be the most dangerous month to walk or drive in Maine — but it is
As the days grow shorter and the evenings darker, Maine officials are reminding everyone on the road to slow down and pay attention. October has brought several important safety campaigns, each focused on keeping people safe during one of the most dangerous times of year for car accidents involving walkers, teen drivers, and school buses.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has declared October as Pedestrian Safety Month, part of a national effort to reduce the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths. Across the country, 3,304 pedestrians were killed in the first half of 2024. This marks a 48 percent jump since 2014. In Maine, pedestrians have accounted for about 14 percent of all traffic fatalities over the past four years.
For drivers, that means slowing down in high-traffic areas, neighborhoods, and school zones, and never passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. For pedestrians, it’s about being seen and staying alert. Officials urge walkers to wear reflective clothing, carry flashlights at night, and keep distractions (e.g., phones and headphones) to a minimum.
Why are teen drivers getting extra attention this month?
Teen Driver Safety Week takes place in October and is another key focus for state officials. Car crashes remain the number one cause of death for teenagers between 15 and 19 years old. In Maine, an average of 12 teen drivers lose their lives each year in crashes. This is a number that’s remained steady over the past five years.
Inexperience and underdeveloped decision-making skills often lead to risky driving behaviors. Speeding, distracted driving, and peer pressure can all play a role in fatal crashes.
Officials are encouraging parents to talk openly with their teens about driving habits. Set clear expectations such as limiting passengers, keeping phones out of reach, and obeying speed limits to reduce the risk of a crash.
Programs that pair parents with teen drivers for supervised driving practice are also helping new drivers build confidence safely.
What should drivers know about school bus safety?
School Bus Safety Week also takes place in October and shines a light on a troubling reality: Most child fatalities in bus-related crashes occur when other drivers fail to stop for school buses picking up or dropping off children.
Under Maine law, when a bus’s red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended, all drivers must stop. Passing a stopped bus is not just illegal; it’s potentially deadly. There's also the “Danger Zone,” the 10-foot area in front of, behind, and on both sides of the bus. This space is often invisible to the driver, and children crossing the street can easily disappear from view.
What can Maine drivers and pedestrians do to stay safe?
The Bureau’s message is simple but important: awareness saves lives. By taking the following steps, both drivers and walkers can help prevent serious crashes, especially during Maine’s darker fall months when visibility drops sharply after sunset.
For drivers
Pedestrian safety starts behind the wheel. Whether you’re driving through a busy downtown area or a quiet neighborhood, staying alert can save lives. Small distractions or a few extra miles per hour can make all the difference in reaction time. Keep these key habits in mind every time you drive:
- Be ready to stop: Slow down near crosswalks, intersections, and driveways where pedestrians may appear suddenly.
- Watch for vulnerable pedestrians: Children, older adults, and people with mobility devices can be harder to see, especially near schools or parks.
- Stay cautious in low light: Look for pedestrians wearing dark clothing or walking along tree-lined streets where visibility is limited.
- Avoid distractions: Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone, food, or navigation system.
For pedestrians
Even if you're generally careful when walking, you can't always predict what drivers will do. However, you can better protect yourself by being proactive and visible, especially in high-traffic areas or at night. Here are a few precautions to consider taking:
- Make eye contact: Always ensure a driver sees you before stepping into the street.
- Use designated crossings: Stick to marked crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect to stop.
- Avoid stepping between cars: Parked vehicles can block visibility for both you and approaching drivers.
- Stay alert: Put away your phone and remove earbuds so you can see and hear oncoming traffic.
Hit by a car in Maine? Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer today
After a serious pedestrian accident, life can feel like someone has hit the pause button. Suddenly, everything stops. But justice shouldn’t be out of reach just because you were on foot. That’s where Jabar LaLiberty, LLC steps in.
Our attorneys help injured pedestrians in Maine find their footing again by taking on the legal battle so you can focus on healing. We dig deep to uncover the truth, hold negligent drivers accountable, and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
We understand how overwhelming it can be when you're facing mounting bills, missed paychecks, and insurance companies that seem more interested in profits than people. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win. Our team handles every detail of your claim, from investigating your pedestrian accident to negotiating a settlement that covers the full extent of your losses.
If you’ve been injured while walking in Portland, Waterville, or anywhere in Maine, don’t wait to get help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn about your rights and options. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and lay out a clear plan for moving forward. The road to recovery begins with a single step; contact us online or call today to get started.
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