October is Pedestrian Safety Month: Let’s Walk Safely Together in Polk County!

As the crisp Florida fall arrives, October brings more than just cooler weather and pumpkin spice lattes—it marks Pedestrian Safety Month! Across the nation and right here in Polk County, this is a crucial time to raise awareness about pedestrian safety, encourage healthy habits like walking, and promote safer streets for everyone. Whether you’re a daily walker, occasional stroller, parent, or driver, we all have a part to play in making our roadways safer.

Why Pedestrian Safety Matters in Polk County

Increasing numbers of Polk County residents are embracing walking for exercise, errands and simply to enjoy the neighborhood. While walking is a fantastic way to stay healthy and connect with the community, it’s important to recognize the risks pedestrians face. According to recent national data, pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing concern, with distracted driving, speeding, and inadequate infrastructure among the leading causes.

In Polk County, our unique blend of bustling city centers, historic districts, and rural areas means pedestrian safety takes different forms. The Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is committed to making our streets safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for everyone—whether you walk, bike, drive, or use public transit.

The Role of Polk County TPO in Pedestrian Safety

The Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is a key leader in securing data that will inform planning to improve transportation options and safety across the county.

What is Polk County TPO Doing to Improve Pedestrian Safety?

Conducts Safety Studies: The TPO regularly analyzes crash data and identifies locations where pedestrian safety improvements are needed most.
Funds Sidewalk and Crosswalk Projects: From building new sidewalks to upgrading crosswalk signals, the TPO invests in projects that reduce risks for walkers.
Community Education: Through outreach initiatives, public meetings, and partnerships with local schools and agencies, the TPO educates residents about safe walking and driving behaviors.
Plans for the Future: The TPO’s long-range transportation plans include dedicated goals for safer, more walkable communities.

To learn more and get involved, visit our website.

Tips for Pedestrian Safety: What You Can Do

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Here are key tips for both walkers and drivers to help everyone get home safely:

For Pedestrians

1. Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dawn, dusk, or night. Carry a flashlight if walking in low-light conditions.
2. Use Crosswalks: Always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
3. Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like texting or talking on the phone while walking, especially near traffic.
4. Obey Signals: Only cross when the pedestrian signal is green, and don’t rush into the street if the signal is flashing or red.
5. Walk Facing Traffic: If there are no sidewalks, walk facing oncoming traffic so you can see and be seen.

For Drivers

1. Yield to Pedestrians: Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections, even if there’s no traffic signal.
2. Slow Down: Reduce your speed in residential areas, downtowns, and near schools—places where people are likely to walk.
3. Stay Alert: Watch for pedestrians, especially in areas with limited visibility or at night.
4. Put Away Distractions: Don’t text or use your phone while driving. Focus on the road and your surroundings.
5. Be Extra Careful in Poor Weather: Rain or fog can make it harder to see pedestrians—drive cautiously!

Polk County TPO’s Pedestrian Safety Initiatives

The Polk TPO is working hard to make walking safer and more enjoyable. Some of their initiatives include:

• Safe Routes to School: Partnering with local schools to educate children about safe walking and biking practices and improving infrastructure around school zones.
• Sidewalk Gap Projects: Identifying and funding new sidewalks in key areas to connect neighborhoods, parks, and commercial centers.
• Crosswalk Enhancements: Installing high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and audible crossing signals at busy intersections.
• Community Workshops: Hosting events and public meetings to gather input from residents about where improvements are needed most.

You can find updates on these projects and more by visiting our website and following our social media channels.

How can I get involved in Pedestrian Safety Month in Polk County?

Pedestrian Safety Month is the perfect time to connect with your community and make a difference. Here’s how you can participate:

• Join a Community Walk: Organize or join a neighborhood walk to promote safe walking routes and meet your neighbors.
• Attend a TPO Meeting: The TPO welcomes public input! Attend a meeting or workshop to share your ideas for safer streets.
• Report Safety Issues:** If you notice a dangerous intersection, missing sidewalk, or overgrown vegetation, report it to your local government or the TPO.
• Spread the Word: Share pedestrian safety tips with friends, family, and on social media using hashtags like #PedestrianSafetyMonth or #WalkSafePolk.

Looking to the Future: Polk Vision Zero Action Plan

Vision Zero is a safety initiative aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries that occur during everyday transportation. Traffic deaths and severe injuries have often been considered inevitable, and while mistakes made by human users are unavoidable, the resulting cost should never be death or serious injury.

The Vision Zero Action Plan, launched in 2025, builds on existing safety efforts by analyzing current conditions and key risk factors. The plan incorporates community input through surveys, group meetings, and other outreach initiatives. Don’t miss your opportunity to be heard.

The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is currently developing the Polk Vision Zero Action Plan, designed to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero in Polk County.

Pedestrian Safety Month is a reminder that every step counts and that safer streets benefit us all.

Let’s celebrate October by being mindful walkers, attentive drivers, and active participants in shaping a safer Polk County.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join us from 5 to 7 p.m.on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Winter Haven Garden Center for a community meeting. The TPO will be holding a Vision Zero community meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Garden Center of Winter Haven.

Community members will have the opportunity to hear from speakers, participate in discussions, and interactive activities centered on safety.

Together, we can ensure Polk County remains a wonderful place to live, work, and walk—this month and all year long.