Pedestrian safety is becoming a growing concern in the Tallahassee area, with recent incidents of pedestrian deaths happening on local crosswalks.
A woman was struck and killed over the weekend by a vehicle while crossing West Pensacola Street, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. The incident follows another pedestrian death earlier this year near Florida State University (FSU), where police say a person was hit by a car close to campus. These incidents are part of a disturbing trend, as pedestrian fatalities have steadily risen throughout the year.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida consistently ranks among the top states for pedestrian deaths. A recent report found that in 2023, more than 700 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related incidents across the state, with Tallahassee seeing a significant rise this year.
Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles show that in 2024, pedestrian fatalities in Leon County have already surpassed last year’s numbers. These fatalities often occur near busy intersections or in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as university campuses where students frequently cross busy streets.
FAMU students and faculty have expressed concerns about the dangers posed to pedestrians, especially with the increase in speeding and distracted driving near campus.
Treyvious L. Copeland, a second-year Pharmacy student at FAMU expressed his worry regarding street signs not being visible for drivers.
“I do think there are some concerns regarding signs fallen to the ground that ask drivers to allow pedestrians to cross the street and potholes that could be fixed,” Copeland said. “I do believe that allowing the city to know of these problems could help. On game days, it would be better to notice the blocking of the roads! That can be addressed to the police as I believe they are the ones that block off the roads.”
The FAMU Department of Public Safety launched the “Pedestrian & Vehicle Safety Campaign Slogan Challenge.” The initiative encourages students to participate in creating a slogan that will be used across campus to raise awareness about traffic safety. The campaign aims to promote safer practices for both drivers and pedestrians, fostering a culture of attentiveness and responsibility.
The FSU Police Department (FSU- PD) is also taking action through its “Heads Up” campaign. As students and faculty return to class, FSU-PD officers will distribute fliers and offer safety tips during the first week of classes to encourage a safer environment for pedestrians.
Interim Deputy Chief of Police Jason Trumbower stressed the importance of avoiding phone use, whether walking or driving, as it impacts everyone’s safety.
“Whether you’re a pedestrian or driving a vehicle, put your phone down — your safety depends on it, people’s lives depend on it,” Chief Trumbower said. “The goal of this campaign is to remind people to pay attention, obey traffic laws and speeds, and use crosswalks and pedestrian signals. We want pedestrians and drivers, especially students, to engage with each other and make eye contact.”
For concerns about pedestrian safety or to report unsafe traffic conditions near the FAMU campus, contact the FAMU Police Department.