Hard Braking Peaks in October Across United States

National data shows braking events and pedestrian crashes both rise significantly during the month of October.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Severe Weather

Isometric editorial illustration of parallel white road lane markings on a flat dark asphalt surface, representing traffic safety trends. — Hard braking events rise by 6% in October across the United States, correlating with a 27% increase in pedestrian crash fatalities and injuries. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hard braking rates across the United States increase 6% in October compared to the annual average. During this same month, pedestrian crash fatalities and injuries climb 27% higher than in other months.

Why it matters

The rise in pedestrian accidents during the fall is attributed to cooler weather, which encourages more people to be outdoors. Increased hard braking serves as a key indicator of driver behavior patterns that correlate with higher crash risks.

Hard braking events, defined as speed reductions of 8-10 mph in one second, increase 6% nationally during October. Alaska records the highest state-level increase with a 56% surge in these braking events.

The players

CMT.AI

This company provides the telematics and driver behavior data used to analyze national braking and crash trends.

The details

Drivers with the highest frequency of hard braking are 1.7 times more likely to be involved in a collision. In 2024, 76% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at night, while 24% of these fatal crashes involved a driver fleeing the scene.

October is the month when hard braking events peak annually.
Data from 2020 through 2024 indicates a 27% increase in pedestrian crashes during October.
In 2024, 76% of all pedestrian deaths occurred during nighttime hours.

Seasonal Patterns

This data extends the established findings within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's pedestrian safety reports. It confirms that seasonal behavioral shifts continue to drive documented spikes in extreme road incidents over historical averages.

Drivers should exercise extra caution during October to account for the increased presence of pedestrians in cooler weather. Maintaining distance and anticipating stops can reduce the need for hard braking, which is a significant predictor of crash likelihood.

The takeaway

Drivers are encouraged to be more vigilant as pedestrian activity increases alongside cooler fall temperatures. Reducing sudden braking helps improve road safety and decreases the statistical likelihood of being involved in a collision.