Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Launches “Operation See! Be Seen” Highlighting Pedestrian Safety

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) has launched their campaign “Operation See! Be Seen!” as part of national Pedestrian Safety Month. The statewide campaign will highlight pedestrian safety enforcement and public awareness for both drivers and pedestrians.

“Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roadways, and an average of 300 lose their lives in crashes yearly in just our state alone,” said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the GTSC Mark J.F. Schroeder. “All drivers should watch for pedestrians and share the road, and pedestrians should follow the rules of the road and make themselves as visible as possible. We want everyone to reach their destination safely.” 

According to the GTSC, in 2024, 14,878 crashes involved pedestrians in the state. Out of those crashes, 289 resulted in death and over 14,000 in injury. Data provided by the Traffic Safety Management & Research also show crashes involving pedestrians are on the rise. In 2023, 14,651 pedestrian involved crashes occurred, with 307 deaths.

Operation See! Be Seen!, will be a two-week statewide pedestrian safety enforcement mobilization, the GTSC says. Through October 19th, law enforcement agencies will be in areas where pedestrian safety most needs to be addressed with increased patrols.