Maine Urges Drivers to Slow Down; Pedestrians to Be Seen During October Safety Campaigns

October 1, 2025

By: Scanner Alerts Media Group

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is marking Pedestrian Safety Month by urging drivers to slow down and watch for people on foot, and reminding pedestrians to increase visibility as daylight hours shorten. The agency is also highlighting Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 19–25) and School Bus Safety Week (Oct. 20–24).

According to the release, 3,304 pedestrians were killed nationwide in the first half of 2024—a 48% increase since 2014—and pedestrians accounted for 14% of Maine traffic fatalities over the past four years. Drivers are asked to use extra caution in low-visibility conditions, follow speed limits near schools and neighborhoods, drive sober, stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, look for pedestrians everywhere, and never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks. Pedestrians are urged to wear reflective clothing, avoid distractions, walk facing traffic, and never assume drivers see them.

Teen Driver Safety Week encourages families to discuss safe habits and Maine’s graduated licensing rules. The release notes that crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 15–19 in Maine, with an average of 12 teen driver deaths per year over the past five years. Teens are asked to “Take 5” and pledge to practice safe habits before driving.

For School Bus Safety Week, the Bureau reminds drivers to slow down and stop for buses with red lights and extended stop arms. Nearly 40% of school-age children who died in school-bus-related crashes nationally were pedestrians, and the “Danger Zone” includes 10 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on either side, and behind the bus where the driver may not see a child.

Credit: Maine Bureau of Highway Safety