October Is The Deadliest Month For Pedestrians In Texas

As the temperatures start to drop and we head into fall, one thing we notice is there are more people that are out and about on foot. We aren't craving the air conditioning, we aren't dreading the heat, so we're just trying to get outside and breathe in the fresh air.

Unfortunately, as we're knee deep into October, it may be the worst time for us to be walking around outside.

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According to a study put out by the Texas Department of Transportation, October is the deadliest month for pedestrians in the state of Texas. So what are the causes of these pedestrian-involved accidents?

One of the reasons is that there are just more of us out there. Also factor in that Halloween falls in October and we have all the kiddos out trick-or-treating. That's not the main reason for it though.

The biggest cause for these accidents is the shorter daylight hours. With the sun coming up later and going down sooner, we have less time available to see people in front of or around us. Because of the lack of daylight, we don't see the pedestrians from further away.

According to the report, pedestrian deaths have increased in the state nearly 30 percent over the last five years with 829 pedestrians killed.

TxDOT recommends that if you are a pedestrian to keep off your electronics to allow yourself to be more aware of the motorists around you. They also recommend wearing more reflective clothing if you can so when the car lights hit you, you're easily seen.

RANKED: America's Top 12 Best-Looking State Trooper Cruisers

Did you know that there is a brotherhood of state troopers called the American Association of State Troopers (AAST)? Their goal: PROTECT. PROVIDE. CONNECT. According to their website the AAST was formed in 1989 when a "small group of Florida state troopers had the vision to create an association that would unite state troopers across the country and assist them by providing valuable benefits and services."

Each year the AAST releases a calendar of the best looking state trooper cruisers. Ranking is determined by their Facebook followers. It's all for a great cause too. Proceeds benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides higher education scholarships for AAST troopers' children dependents. A noble cause by any measure.