Information for Pedestrians
Give Pedestrians Your Best Attention
Most of us cross streets every day. We are all pedestrians at one time or another, and we take for granted that we can cross without incident because, most of the time, we do. But sometimes we aren't so fortunate.
Over the last 10 years, more than 1,000 pedestrians have died, and over 3,300 have been seriously injured in traffic crashes. Young children and the elderly are more likely to be killed or injured in a pedestrian crash than any other group.
These senseless tragedies don't have to happen. CDOT reminds drivers to always use caution around pedestrians in and outside of intersections, follow the posted speed limit and avoid distractions.
- Between 2021 and 2025, 591 pedestrians were killed on Colorado roads. This marks a 36% increase compared to the fatalities that occurred in the previous five years.
- In 2024, 78 pedestrian fatalities occurred when it was dark, accounting for 65% of all pedestrian fatalities that year.
- In 2024, 81 or 68% of pedestrian fatalities occurred outside of crosswalks in Colorado. CDOT reminds pedestrians to use crosswalks and sidewalks when possible.
- October and November stand out as Colorado's deadliest months for pedestrians, contributing to 21.5% of all pedestrian fatalities between 2015 and 2024.
- Across the country (according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):
- Alcohol involvement for the driver and/or the pedestrian was reported in 46 percent of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023.
- Men are more likely to be killed in pedestrian crashes than women. In 2023, 70% of the pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were males.
- Nearly 1 out of every 4 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2023 (24%) were struck by hit-and-run drivers.
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and intersections when traffic signals indicate it is safe to cross, even if there are no crosswalk markings on the road. Drivers are legally required to yield or come to a complete stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
- Pedestrians crossing outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
- It is illegal for pedestrians to cross outside a crosswalk when between adjacent, signalized intersections. Doing this can result in a ticket and fine.
- Pedestrians must use sidewalks whenever available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk or travel only on a road shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of a roadway. If no sidewalk or road shoulder is available, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
- Pedestrians must follow pedestrian-specific traffic signals and signs. If a pedestrian signal is broken or stays on “Don’t Walk” or “Walk” for multiple cycles, pedestrians must not enter the roadway unless it’s safe to do so.
Safety Reminders for Drivers around Pedestrians
Stop before the crosswalk, never in it. You are legally required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.- When the light turns green, go slow, check your surroundings and proceed with caution.
- Try to make eye contact with pedestrians to ensure it's safe to continue through the intersection.
- Before making a turn, remember to:
- Always use your turn signal and slow down
- Come to a complete stop at red lights
- Check for pedestrians and yield before proceeding
- At night, reduce your speed and use headlights, especially in areas with poor street lighting.
- Avoid cell phone use and other distractions, obey speed limits and never drive impaired.
- Always yield to pedestrians and slow down, especially in urban areas.
Safety Reminders for Pedestrians around Drivers
- Use sidewalks whenever available, and cross streets at crosswalks or intersections.
- Stay off your phone when crossing the street.
- At crosswalks, try to make eye contact or nod to a driver to confirm they see you before you cross.
- Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
- At night, wear light colors and walk where streetlights will illuminate you.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
Speeding Kills
In August 2025, CDOT launched a campaign about the risks of speeding drivers to pedestrians. The risk of death for pedestrians is 10% at 23 MPH and up to 75% at 50 MPH.
CDOT encourages drivers to always follow the speed limit for the safety of themselves, other drivers and VRUs. Crashes involving speeding claimed the lives of 237 people last year, and knowing the laws is essential to reversing these alarming trends.
Visit CDOT’s Speeding campaign to learn more about speeding and pedestrian safety.
