Clocks fall back one hour this weekend, and for many families in Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties, the walk home from work, the evening stroll with the dog and the trip to the mailbox will now happen after dark. That change in daylight arrives at a time when pedestrian safety deserves extra attention across Ohio.
According to preliminary figures from the Governors Highway Safety Association,pedestrian deaths in Ohio rose from 128 in 2024 to 148 in 2025, even as the national total declined. Darkness plays a major role. The Ohio Department of Transportation has reported that 103 of the 150 pedestrians killed on Ohio roads in 2023 were struck after dark. Fall evenings also bring drizzle, wet leaves and headlight glare, all of which make people on foot harder to see.
Drivers can help by slowing down in neighborhoods and busy downtown areas, putting phones away and watching closely at crosswalks, where Ohio law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians. People on foot can stay safer by wearing light or reflective clothing, carrying a flashlight, using sidewalks and marked crossings whenever possible and walking facing traffic when there is no sidewalk.
Pedestrian injuries are often severe, including broken bones, head trauma and spinal injuries that can mean months away from work. Someone struck by a careless driver may have a personal injury claim for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence rule, an injured person can still recover compensation as long as they were not more than 50 percent at fault, although the award is reduced by their share of responsibility. In a hit-and-run or a crash involving an uninsured driver, your own auto policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were walking. Workers who are struck while on foot as part of their job, such as delivery drivers or road crews, may also qualify for Ohio workers’ compensation benefits. After any crash, call police, get medical care right away and take photos of the scene if you are able. Ohio generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so it is wise not to wait.
At Brian Law Offices, Attorney Steve Brian and our team have helped Northeast Ohio families recover after serious accidents for more than four decades. We handle every case on a contingency fee basis, so there are no attorney fees unless we make a recovery on your behalf. You can contact us online or reach our North Canton office at 330-494-2121, our New Philadelphia office at 330-364-5531, or our Wooster office at 330-262-5246. We hope everyone in our community stays safe and visible as the evenings grow darker.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Brian Law Offices. Contact our office directly to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
