Pedestrian Safety is a Two-Way Street.
New Mexico is #1 in Pedestrian Fatalities. Again.
Let’s Change That.
Sometimes it’s not good to come in first place. New Mexico has a problem. Too many pedestrians are killed on our streets. It doesn’t have to be this way. Pedestrian fatalities and injuries are preventable. The goal of The New Mexico Department of Transportation is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries for pedestrians on New Mexico roadways. Look for Me is a campaign designed to bring awareness to the public to elevate this issue and provide tools to reduce harm to pedestrians. Everyone has the right to walk safely. We must reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our streets now.
Tips for Drivers
- Always have your eye out for pedestrians, even when not at a crosswalk.
- Don’t pass vehicles at a crosswalk. They may be yielding for a pedestrian you don’t see.
- Never drive impaired.
- Use extra caution at night, in low light, rain, or snow when visibility is bad.
- When turning or entering a crosswalk slow down and be prepared to stop.
- Look for pedestrians when backing up.
- Don’t speed. Slow down in school zones and residential neighborhoods where children are present.
- Always use sidewalks when available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from the road as possible.
- Don’t walk impaired.
- Obey all signs and signals.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions.
- If there is no crosswalk or intersection, locate a well-lit area with the best view of traffic. Only cross when there is more than enough time to cross safely. Continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Watch for cars entering and exiting parking lots and driveways.
Tips for Pedestrians
- When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
- A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
- Subsection A of this section shall not apply under the conditions stated in Subsection B of Section 66-7-335 NMSA 1978.
- Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of another vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
- A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a penalty assessment misdemeanor.
New Mexico Statutes Chapter 66-7-334