WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There were two pedestrian accidents over the weekend here in western Massachusetts. This has been sparking safety concerns in the area. Two pedestrians struck by vehicle near Riverdale Shops in West Springfield Thousands of pedestrians are killed or severely injured every year here in the U.S. 22News spoke to officials about how both drivers and pedestrians can stay safe on the roads. The number of Pedestrian injuries and deaths remains high, not only here in Massachusetts but across the U.S. Just over the weekend, two pedestrians were struck by a driver near the Riverdale shops in West Springfield, critically injuring a woman and her four-year-old daughter. Officers were also called to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Page Blvd in Springfield that left a woman with serious injuries. Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh said road safety starts with both the driver and the pedestrian, "For drivers we urge you to slow down, put your phones down, and pay attention to your surroundings. For pedestrians, we urge you to be defensive. If you are crossing a crosswalk and it's your turn to go make sure you still make eye contact with that driver." Walsh says this could help to minimize pedestrian accidents in the area. Between the years of 2017 and 2021– Massachusetts averaged about 70 pedestrian deaths per year. Traditionally alcohol is a factor in a significant number of fatal pedestrian crashes almost 50 percent. Most of them occur at night or dark hours. State officials say they also occur more often during the colder months. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2022, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed and more than 67,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. While these numbers continue to rise--- safety officials say it can easily be prevented if people slow it down and pay attention. Local News Headlines Greenfield police gain access to school security cameras The end of the Boston property tax bill Massachusetts employees pay more for health care premiums Recent pedestrian crashes spark safety concerns locally WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.