September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California
The California Office of Traffic Safety is again announcing that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month,” the Porterville Police Department reported.
The California Office of Traffic Safety is again announcing that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month,” the Porterville Police Department reported.
Porterville Police Administrative Sgt. Rick Carrillo said the annual campaign began last year in response to the rising number of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways.
The PPD will join with other law enforcement agencies, city and state transportation agencies, pedestrian advocates and walking clubs to promote public awareness aimed at both drivers and pedestrians alike to always be aware of each other and share the road responsibly.
This month draws attention to the 892 pedestrians who were killed on California roadways in 2016 alone, accounting for over 24 percent of all roadway deaths in the state, up from 17 percent just a decade ago. Carrillo said the Porterville Police Department investigated one pedestrian fatal collision and another 16 major injury collisions. He said most injuries are life changing and permanent.
Officers will join the effort by conducting educational presentations at local schools and community events. He said the department has mapped out locations over the past several years where pedestrian collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those collisions.
Traffic officers, Carrillo said, are working overtime and others on routine patrol will focus enforcement both on drivers as well as pedestrians who violate traffic laws.
Both drivers and walkers, Carrillo said, are cautioned to put down their cell phones since electric distractions are seen in increasing numbers of pedestrian crashes. Other factors for drivers include unsafe speed and failure to see and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
For pedestrians, Carrillo said the major dangers are jaywalking and thinking they can be seen at night, especially while wearing dark clothing. To learn about the dangers of being a pedestrian who is at risk and safety tips, visit www.ots.ca.gov.
Carrillo said the California Office of Traffic Safety continues to remind motorists that “pedestrians don’t have armor.”
“This public service announcement highlights the importance of pedestrian safety awareness regardless of whether one is on foot or behind the wheel,” Carrillo said.
Funding for this enforcement campaign is provided to the Porterville Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.