Pedestrian safety is once again in the national spotlight. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), U.S. pedestrian fatalities were down 4.3% in 2024, the second consecutive annual decline after surging throughout the prior decade. While this is encouraging news, the work is far from over. Law enforcement agencies and community leaders still face the ongoing challenge of keeping vulnerable road users safe in an environment of distracted driving, high traffic volumes, and increasing speeds.
Why Speed Enforcement Matters for Pedestrian Safety
Speed is one of the most critical factors in pedestrian survival rates. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the risk of fatal injury when a collision occurs. Research shows that:
- A pedestrian struck at 20 mph (8% risk of death) has a much higher chance of survival than one struck at 40 mph (46% risk of death).
- Reaction time and stopping distance decrease dramatically at higher speeds, leaving little margin for error.
- Lowering average traffic speeds by even a few miles per hour can reduce the likelihood and severity of pedestrian crashes.
Consistent speed enforcement creates a culture of accountability, reminding drivers that unsafe behaviors will not go unchecked. For communities, it sends a clear message that pedestrian lives are valued and protected.
Speed awareness can also help reduce pedestrian deaths. Two years ago, Kustom Signals presented a speed awareness seminar featuring Senior Product Manager for Speed, Kent Hayes, and Technical Sales Manager, Colin McIver, discussing the troubling rise in pedestrian fatalities and how agencies across the world can help combat them with speed awareness products.
Challenges Facing Law Enforcement and Communities
Despite progress in reducing pedestrian fatalities, several hurdles remain:
- Distracted Driving – The prevalence of mobile device use means more drivers are missing visual cues from pedestrians and crosswalks.
- Urban Growth – As cities expand, pedestrians and vehicles are sharing the same spaces more often, increasing conflict points.
- Resource Constraints – Agencies are stretched thin, making it difficult to dedicate personnel exclusively to traffic enforcement.
- Public Expectations – Communities expect proactive solutions, especially in school zones, neighborhoods, and busy intersections where pedestrian activity is high.
- Changing Driver Behavior – Education and enforcement must work hand-in-hand to influence lasting driver awareness and compliance.
Proven Tools for Reducing Speed and Saving Lives
ProLaser® 4 Handheld LIDAR
ProLaser 4 delivers pinpoint accuracy in speed detection, giving officers the confidence of court-defensible enforcement. Its lightweight, ergonomic design allows for extended use in roadside operations, helping agencies target problem areas with precision.
- Pinpoint accuracy for court-defensible enforcement
- ProLog storage tool for evidence management to better ensure convictions
- Ergonomic, lightweight build for officer comfort
- Designed for reliable roadside operation in varied conditions
LaserCam® 4 Video LIDAR
The LaserCam 4 combines advanced LIDAR speed measurement with high-quality video evidence. This tool not only captures violations but also provides visual documentation to strengthen cases and increase compliance.
- Combines speed measurement with clear video documentation
- Strengthens case evidence for prosecution
- Enhances compliance through visible enforcement presence
Eagle 3 In-Car RADAR
The innovative Eagle 3 RADAR is a next-generation in-car speed enforcement system, designed to give officers advanced accuracy and operational flexibility. With automatic same-direction tracking, wireless technology, and intuitive controls, the Eagle 3 helps agencies cover more ground with less effort while maintaining the high enforcement standards communities expect.
- Intuitive interface designed for quick officer training and deployment
- Advanced front and rear scan mode
- Wireless setup reduces clutter and increases ease of use
Building on the Positive Trend
The recent decline in pedestrian deaths shows progress, but it will take consistent enforcement, smart deployment of technology, and strong community partnerships to sustain and improve these results. By investing in proven tools like LIDAR, speed displays, and trailers, agencies and municipalities can continue to push pedestrian fatalities downward and build safer roads for everyone.
Kustom Signals is committed to helping law enforcement and communities protect pedestrians through innovative speed enforcement solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our full line of LIDAR, RADAR, and speed awareness technologies.