November is one of the best months to be out and about in New Mexico. The holiday markets are opening, Old Town is still glowing from Dia de los Muertos, and the evenings are cool and clear. It’s also a month when more of us walk through crowded parking lots and cross busy streets after dark. That matters, because New Mexico pedestrian deaths are already the worst in the country.
At Keller & Keller, we represent injured people across New Mexico, and we want every family to get home safe this season.
New Mexico Pedestrian Deaths by the Numbers
According to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 94 pedestrians were killed on New Mexico roads in 2024. That works out to 4.41 deaths for every 100,000 people, the highest rate of any state in the country. It was a small improvement over 2023, but New Mexico has held that spot for years.
The holidays add another risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 164 people died nationwide in drunk driving crashes over the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend.
November Events Around the State
Here are a few local events happening this month:
- Dia de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque, through November 8
- Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival, November 6 to 8 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center
- Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee, November 13 to 15
- HomeGrown: A New Mexico Food Show and Gift Market, November 21 and 22 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces
- Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Holiday Festival, November 27 to 29 at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque
- New Mexico Artisan Market, November 27 to 29 at Hotel Albuquerque
The Albuquerque Museum also opens a new exhibit on November 7, “Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery,” which runs through April 11, 2027.
Safety Tips to Help Prevent New Mexico Pedestrian Deaths
- Cross at crosswalks and signals, even if it means walking a little farther
- Wear bright colors or carry a small flashlight after dark
- Make eye contact with drivers before you step off the curb
- Stay off your phone while you cross, since distraction plays a part in many New Mexico pedestrian deaths
- Watch for cars backing out in busy lots like Expo New Mexico
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Slow down near event entrances, shopping centers, and bus stops
- Expect people on foot in dark areas where there’s no sidewalk
- Never drive after drinking. Call a rideshare or ask a sober friend
- Be extra careful on Central Avenue and other busy corridors in the evening
What to Do if You’re Hit by a Car
Call 911 and get medical care right away, even if you think you’re fine. If you can, take photos of the scene and your injuries. Also get the driver’s information and the names of any witnesses. Ask for the police report number. Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance company, talk to a lawyer. Strict deadlines apply to injury claims, so don’t wait too long.
How Keller & Keller Can Help
Keller & Keller has helped injured people since 1936. Our New Mexico team handles pedestrian accidents, car crashes, drunk driving cases, and wrongful death claims. Your first consultation is free, and we’ll meet you at home, at the hospital, or virtually. With our Zero Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win.
We’ve seen too many New Mexico pedestrian deaths and serious injuries. If you or someone you love was hurt, call our Albuquerque office at (505) 938-2300 or 1-800-253-5537.
This post is for general information only and isn’t legal advice. Event details are based on local listings as of November 2, 2026, so check each organizer’s website for current times. Pedestrian statistics are preliminary 2024 figures from the Governors Highway Safety Association, and drunk driving statistics come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
