Step Smart This Spring: AAA Highlights Pedestrian Risks on National Walking Day

National Walking Day is April 1

DEARBORN, Mich., (April 1, 2026) — As National Walking Day encourages more people to get outside, AAA warns that warmer temperatures, spring events, and rising gas prices will drive a sharp increase in foot traffic, raising the risk of pedestrian crashes on busy roads and intersections.

“Pedestrians face the greatest risk in traffic because they have no protection in a crash,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Even low‑speed collisions can result in serious or fatal injuries.”

Pedestrian Fatalities Remain High Despite Slight Decline

A report from the Governors Highway Safety Association reveals that pedestrian deaths are increasing at a faster rate than overall traffic fatalities. In 2024, drivers struck and killed 7,148 pedestrians in the United States. Of those deaths:

• One in four are the result of a hit-and-run crash
• More than three-quarters occur after dark
• Nearly two-thirds occurred in locations without a sidewalk

“Pedestrians do not have a seat belt, airbags, or a steel frame to protect them,” said Woodland. “That reality makes awareness critical for everyone on the road.”

AAA Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Use sidewalks and crosswalks
• Make eye contact before crossing
• Stay off phones and headphones
• Wear bright or reflective clothing at night

AAA Safety Tips for Drivers

• Slow down near pedestrian zones
• Watch for walkers near schools, parks, and events
• Eliminate distractions behind the wheel
• Yield at crosswalks and intersections
• Use extra caution at night

Bottom Line

As spring activity ramps up across Michigan and with today being National Walking Day, AAA reminds everyone that safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re walking or driving, attention saves lives.

About AAA – The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.