Author: Michael McConnell

What a day! The Inaugural William’s Walk was more than just a stroll through Overton Park Memphis, it was a powerful, joyful, and heartfelt step toward a safer city for all. From the first check-in to the last cheerful goodbye, you made it a success.

We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy, and we wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU.

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👟 To Our Volunteers:

You showed up early, stayed late, and kept the event running smoothly with nothing but smiles, hustle, and heart. Whether you were setting up tables, guiding walkers, handing out water, positioning food trucks, or cleaning up at the end — you were the heartbeat of this event. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we are truly grateful.

💼 To Our Sponsors:

Your support made William’s Walk possible — not just in funding logistics, but in showing the Memphis community that businesses care about pedestrian safety. You invested in a cause that matters and helped bring this vision to life.

Shoutout to our incredible sponsors for stepping up and walking the walk!

🤝 To Our Partners:

Commute Options Memphis

From local advocacy groups to city departments and neighborhood associations, your collaboration was essential. Together, we brought awareness to a growing issue and reminded everyone that change happens when communities come together.

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🌧️ Rain or Shine… We Walked!

Even with the clouds threatening overhead, spirits were high and feet kept moving. We laughed, we danced, we remembered those we’ve lost, and we marched forward for a safer future. William’s Walk is here to stay, and this first year is just the beginning.

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📰 What’s Next?

We’ll be sharing photos, stories, and impact updates soon. Make sure you’re following us on our social media and sign up for updates so you’re ready to join us again next year — bigger, louder, and even more united.

From the entire planning team:
THANK YOU. You helped turn an idea into a movement.

Stay safe, stay walking, and stay connected.
With love and gratitude,
The William’s Walk Team

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🖼️ Have photos or memories from the day? Tag us using #WiliamsWalkMemphis or send them our way!

Walking is one of the simplest, healthiest, and most environmentally friendly ways to get around. But for many people, especially in busy cities like Memphis, it can also be risky. Pedestrian crashes are on the rise across the U.S., and staying safe on foot means being alert, informed, and proactive.

Here’s what every pedestrian should know to reduce the risk of being involved in a crash:

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🚶‍♀️ Know the Stats, Know the Risk

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2022, the highest number in 40 years. In 2023 that number was still over 7,000. The majority of these tragedies occurred at night, in urban areas, and outside of marked crosswalks.

In Memphis, pedestrian crashes have been especially alarming, with high rates of injuries and fatalities in recent years. These aren’t just numbers; they’re our neighbors, friends, and family members.

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✅ Tips to Stay Safe on Foot

Whether you’re walking to work, school, the bus stop, or just for fresh air, keep these safety tips in mind:

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1. Be Predictable

• Use crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.
• Follow signals and obey all traffic laws.
• Be defensive, avoid sudden moves or darting into the street, since drivers need time to react.

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2. Make Yourself Visible

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
• Carry a flashlight or use your phone’s light when walking in poorly lit areas.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.

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3. Stay Alert—No Distractions

• Put phones away and remove earbuds when crossing streets, unless using it as a flashlight as mentioned.
• Avoid texting, scrolling, or talking on the phone while walking near traffic.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.

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4. Watch for Turning Vehicles

• Even when you have the right of way, drivers may not see you while turning.
• Pause and double-check all lanes before stepping into the crosswalk.

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5. Walk Facing Traffic When No Sidewalk is Available

• If you must walk in the road, walk against traffic and stay as far to the left as possible.
• This lets you see oncoming vehicles and move out of the way if needed.

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🚫 Common Risk Zones to Watch

• Driveway exits and alleyways – vehicles may not expect foot traffic.
• Parking lots – a hotspot for low-speed but high-impact crashes.
• Busy intersections without pedestrian signals.

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🌟 Bonus: Advocate for Safer Streets

Want to go beyond personal safety? Get involved! Push for:

• Better street lighting
• More crosswalks and pedestrian signals
• Lower speed limits in high-foot-traffic areas

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Because Every Step Matters

Pedestrian safety is everyone’s responsibility, but being proactive can help protect you and others on the road. Whether you’re headed to the store, the bus stop, or just out for a stroll, stay alert. Ensure you stay visible. Always prioritize safety.🚶‍♂️💛

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#StreetSmart #PedestrianSafety #WilliamsWalk #MemphisWalks #SafeSteps #WalkSafeLiveSafe #CommunityFirst

We’ve all seen it: a driver slowly drifting over the lane line, eyes locked on their phone instead of the road. Maybe they’re texting, maybe they’re scrolling through music or checking a map. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear, distracted driving is a dangerous habit, and it’s costing lives, especially among pedestrians.

The Growing Danger on Our Streets

Distracted driving has become one of the leading contributors to traffic accidents across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023 alone⁽¹⁾. Even more concerning is how frequently those lives belonged to people who weren’t in cars, like those waiting at a bus stop, crossing the street, or walking to work.

In cities like Memphis, where pedestrian fatalities have surged in recent years, the crisis is real. Inattentive driving mixed with high-speed corridors, limited crosswalks, and poor lighting creates a perfect storm for tragedy.

It’s More Than Just Texting

When we talk about distracted driving, it’s not just about texting. Distractions come in many forms:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road (e.g., reading a message)
• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., adjusting the radio)
• Cognitive: taking your mind off driving (e.g., being lost in thought or arguing with a passenger)

Any one of these distractions can delay reaction time. And when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, that delay could mean the difference between life and death.

Pedestrians Don’t Have Bumpers

Cars are designed with crumple zones, airbags, and seatbelts. Pedestrians have none of that. A collision at just 30 miles per hour can be fatal. Many of the victims are children walking to school, elderly adults using crosswalks, or people simply trying to navigate their neighborhoods.

In some communities, especially underserved areas, the risk is even higher. Poor infrastructure, fewer crosswalks, and less street lighting increase the danger. Distracted drivers in these areas turn already vulnerable pedestrians into moving targets.

How You Can Help

Let’s face it—most of us have been guilty of distracted driving at some point. But change starts with awareness. Here are a few steps we can all take:

• Put the phone away: Use “Do Not Disturb While Driving” features or apps that block notifications.
• Speak up: If you’re a passenger and the driver is distracted, say something.
• Stay alert in pedestrian zones: School zones, neighborhoods, and city streets require extra attention.
• Support infrastructure improvements: Advocate for better lighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals in your community.

Because Every Step Should Be Safe

Pedestrian safety shouldn’t be a privilege. It should be a guarantee. Whether you’re behind the wheel or crossing the street, we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

Let’s protect every step.

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1 – https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

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Want to get involved in local pedestrian safety efforts? Join us at the Inaugural William’s Walk and help raise awareness for safer streets in our community.
#WilliamsWalk #DistractedDriving #PedestrianSafety #HeadsUpPhonesDown #DriveLikeLivesDependOnIt #MemphisSafeStreets

Let’s face it, Memphis doesn’t always need an excuse to have some fun, but when it does, we have a blast.

Enter the Inaugural Williams Walk, which will take place at the East Parkway Pavilion in Overton Park at 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 14, 2025. It’s not merely a stroll. It’s a movement, both literally and figuratively.

What is Williams Walk, then?

Thank you for asking. Williams Walk is a celebration of love, community, advocacy and legacy rather than just an opportunity to work out and increase your step count. It was designed to give Memphis a new reason to unite and walk with purpose, and to honor William McConnell and to advocate for measures to improve pedestrian safety in Memphis.

Why It Matters

Community is the foundation of Memphis. We support one another. Through the good, the bad, and everything in between, we walk side by side. One of those unique occasions where we can actually do it and make it mean something is Williams Walk.

This walk serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected. Your footsteps have meaning, whether you’re there to pay tribute to a loved one, advocate for a cause, or simply spend a day at the park we welcome you.

Join Us for a Walk

So put it on your calendar, put on your sneakers (or your “stylish but not functional” shoes, don’t judge), and come take part in something lovely.

East Parkway Pavilion, Overton Park, Memphis, TN, June 14, 2025

18 & up Must be registered, kids are free.

All registered participants will receive an event t-shirt. Extra Adult and Kids sizes will be available at the event for purchase as well.

Make sure to get registered. Bring a companion. Don’t forget to bring your grandmother. Bring that neighbor you’ve been meaning to speak with. We hope you will join us there. If you are unable to attend and would like to help out you can donate. We also have sponsorship opportunities available please check the details and reach out to us, we would love some more great partners.

Because we walk together in Memphis.