SALT LAKE CITY — Pedestrian deaths on roadways are increasing across the country, and Utah is no exception.

There were 42 pedestrian deaths in 2017 — one of the highest totals of the last few years, Utah Department of Transportation spokesman John Gleason said.

Overall, Utah has seen a 25 percent increase in pedestrian deaths over the last five years.

“It’s very concerning, it’s very troubling,” Gleason said. “We need to do more as a society to protect our pedestrians, to protect people that are walking.”

That means both drivers and pedestrians need to be more careful, Gleason said.

UDOT has a traffic safety department that studies how to make roadways as safe as possible. But even if safety improvements are made, only proper action and care from drivers and pedestrians will allow Utah to achieve the goal of zero fatalities, he said.

“At the end of the day, we can make all of these improvements and make our roads as safe as possible, but it really is up to all of us as drivers and pedestrians to watch out for each other,” Gleason said.

Below are some tips Gleason offered drivers and pedestrians to help avoid an auto-pedestrian crash. For more information, visit Utah Zero Fatalities.

For drivers and pedestrians: Get rid of the distractions

This one goes without saying, but it’s still an issue. When you’re behind the wheel, your attention should be completely focused on the road. As technology becomes more prevalent, it will take a cultural change to make people realize that looking at your phone while operating a vehicle just isn’t acceptable, Gleason said.

“When we’re driving we need to be driving,” he said. “We need to put the distractions away.”

That goes for pedestrians, too. Distracted walking is becoming a bigger problem, Gleason said.

For pedestrians:

1. Never assume you have the right of way

Pedestrians should always make eye contact with nearby drivers before stepping into a road, Gleason said. Don’t assume it’s safe to walk just because it’s your turn to go.

“Being alert — that’s the biggest thing right there,” he said. “Always look for cars in all directions.”

2. Do everything you can to make yourself visible

October and December are the deadliest months for Utah pedestrians, according to Gleason. That’s due in part to fewer daylight hours during the fall and winter months.

If you’re out for a walk or run, make sure to wear reflective or bright clothing. Consider wearing a headlamp or carrying a flashlight.

“Be visible and recognizable,” Gleason said. “Oftentimes where we think we’re visible to drivers, we’re just not.”

3. Never risk jaywalking

It can be tempting to cross the street in the middle of a block if you don’t see any traffic coming, but you should always take the extra time to cross at an intersection or crosswalk, Gleason said.

Jaywalking is very risky, especially on a high-speed road like State Street or Redwood Road, where traffic can be moving faster than you realize, Gleason said.

“You’re taking your life in your own hands at that point,” he said.

For drivers:

1. Stop where and when you’re supposed to

Make sure you stop your car behind the white stop bar when you’re at an intersection, Gleason said. Creeping into a crosswalk while coming to a stop can increase the risk of hitting a pedestrian.

If you notice other vehicles slowing down ahead of you, be prepared to stop even if you can’t see why cars are stopping.

“Always yield to pedestrians,” Gleason said. “Slow down and be prepared to stop when you’re turning or entering a crosswalk.”

2. Always assume pedestrians might be present

It’s easier to be more aware of pedestrians in a place like downtown Salt Lake City because more people are out and about walking. But drivers should be mindful of pedestrians in the suburbs and rural areas too, Gleason said.

“Always be aware that there could be pedestrians out there,” he said.

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