There is a renewed push to protect pedestrians in communities around New York State. 

That includes Schenectady, which saw more than 300 pedestrian crashes over a recent four-year period. 

Monday, the State Department of Transportation announced new safety initiatives and projects costing millions of dollars. The state's $62 million investment is part of upstate New York's Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. They include pedestrian refuge islands and lights better equipped to help drivers see pedestrians. 

DOT Commissioner Paul Karas says protecting pedestrians is a two-way street, and that walkers must be equally aware of vehicles around them.

"Obey the laws; be aware; don’t walk across the street [or] don’t cross the street with ear buds on; don’t be texting and using your phone when crossing the street," said Karas. "The public needs to be fully engaged with everyone else.”

Some of that money will also go into educational and targeted law enforcement campaigns.