Pedestrian Safety Month in Colorado: Why fall is the most dangerous season

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. In Colorado, it also falls at the start of the most dangerous time of year for people on foot.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, nearly 60% of pedestrian deaths in Colorado over the past five years happened between September and February. The reason is simple: there’s less daylight. Denver loses about 70 minutes of daylight in September alone, so more people are walking to work, school, and bus stops in low light.

October is the deadliest month

CDOT’s data shows that from 2021 through 2025, more pedestrian deaths happened in October than in any other month, 74 in total. In 2025, 131 pedestrians were killed on Colorado roads. That’s more than twice the 64 killed in 2015.

There’s some good news. The Colorado State Patrol reports that pedestrian deaths are down 24% from this point last year. But, as the State Patrol’s chief put it, even one fatality is too many.

October 2026 so far

CDOT data shows 74 crashes involving pedestrians in Colorado from October 1 through October 27, 2026. One of them was fatal. Denver County has seen the most pedestrian-involved crashes this month so far, with 24, with Arapahoe County and El Paso County seeing 9 crashes each. 9News reported on one such recent tragedy: A pedestrian died after being struck by a car on October 11, 2026, on the 4600 block of Peoria Street in Denver.

Close to half of these crashes happened in the greater Denver metro area, where many of our clients live and work. Behind every number is a person: someone walking home, crossing to a bus stop, or heading out for an evening walk. And for many of the pedestrians injured in an encounter with a vehicle, life will never be the same.

Staying safe as the days get shorter

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026, so evening commutes are about to get darker.

If you’re driving:

• Turn on your headlights early, not only once it’s fully dark.
• Obey the speed limit. A lower speed gives you more time to stop.
• Expect pedestrians near transit stops, schools, and parking lots, regardless of marked crosswalks.
• Pay special attention when traveling in neighborhoods, where crosswalks are usually unmarked.
• Stop fully for anyone in a crosswalk, and don’t pass a car that has stopped at one.
• Do not engage in distracted driving. Put away the phone and keep your eyes on the road.
• Always yield to pedestrians, use your turn signals, and come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.

If you’re walking:

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks where possible. Where there are signals, wait for the walk signal. If no crosswalks or walk signals are available, do your best to cross at a point of the street where drivers can be more aware of pedestrians, like at intersections, instead of mid-block.
• Make eye contact with drivers before you step into the street.
• Keep your phone in your pocket when you cross.

CDOT points out that everyone using the road is responsible for looking out for one another.

Learn more about pedestrian activism

Ready Law is a proud supporter of Pedestrian Dignity, a grassroots advocacy and ARTivism project centering everyone who moves on foot, on wheels, or via transit. The project promotes greater understanding of what non-drivers face every day and a commitment to closing gaps in unsafe, inaccessible infrastructure. Although pedestrians can take actions to stay safe on our roads, they cannot control the actions of drivers or unsafe road designs that can contribute to crashes. We work with clients all the time who did everything right and were still injured in Colorado and Denver while walking on a roadway, crossing an intersection, or trying to get to the bus.

America Walks is a national organization that promotes walkability and works with organizations and individuals to create more walkable communities. In this article, the organization shares information and ideas to combat America’s road safety problems and links to a free webinar. Check out their resources for ways to get involved.

What do I do if I’ve been hit by a car?

Pedestrian crash injuries are often serious: broken bones, head injuries, and injuries that take months to recover from. This is especially true as vehicles are getting bigger and heavier.

If you or someone you love is hit and injured, or killed:

1. Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay.
2. Call the police and make sure a report is filed.
3. Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and any injuries.
4. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
5. Talk to a personal injury attorney before you give a statement to an insurance company.

At Ready Law, you’ll work directly with your attorney, not get passed off to a case manager. If you’ve been hurt as a pedestrian anywhere in Colorado, we’re here to help you understand your options. Call us at 303-339-8846 for a free consultation.