With September being designated Pedestrian Safety Month in California, the Redwood City Police Department is encouraging all road users to be considerate of one another.
The police department said it will conduct multiple traffic safety operations throughout September. The purpose of the operations is to bring attention to driving behaviors that the police department has identified as being the most hazardous to pedestrians. These dangerous behaviors include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians and running stop signs or signals.
“There’s a lot happening on our roads, and everyone deserves to get to their destination safely,” said Redwood City Police Chief Kristina Bell. “Drivers need to be aware of people who are walking. Please slow down and never drive impaired. We all have places to go, so let’s remember that safety is a shared responsibility.”
Along with its safety initiative this month, the Redwood City Police Department has also shared a few helpful safety tips for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Pedestrian deaths in California account for over 25% of the state’s overall traffic fatalities, the Redwood City Police Department said in a news release. According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, over 7,500 pedestrians in the U.S. lost their lives due to vehicular crashes last year.
The police department recommends that motorists avoid speeding and slow down at intersections, avoid blocking crosswalkswhilet waiting to make right-hand turns, and never drive while under the influence.
Pedestrians are advised to use signalized crosswalks, watch for approaching vehicles, and practice due care while crossing the street; wear light clothing and reflective materials while walking at night and exhibit care when crossing busier roads.
In the spirit of the month, the police department also recommends that Redwood City residents participate in the Go Safely Movement traffic survey to share their thoughts about pedestrian safety throughout the city. The survey can be found at gosafelyca.org.
