Full Notification

<p><strong>September is declared &ldquo;California Pedestrian Safety Month&rdquo; to address Pedestrian Safety Crisis</strong></p>

<p>In answer to rapidly increasing numbers of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways, the California State Senate has passed a resolution declaring September as &ldquo;California Pedestrian Safety Month.&rdquo;&nbsp; San Luis Obispo Police Department will be joining 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.</p>

<p>This first-ever specially designated month draws attention to the 813 pedestrians killed on California roadways in 2015 alone, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all roadways deaths in the state, up from 17 percent just ten years earlier. In 2015, the City of San Luis Obispo had 35 pedestrians injured and one fatality. This was up from 34 injured pedestrians and zero fatalities in 2014. The San Luis Obispo Police Department will join the effort by having representatives from the Traffic Safety Division to speak to the community at Sheriff&rsquo;s Family Day at Madonna Meadows on September 10, 2016. SLOPD Traffic Safety Division will also be hosting a bike rodeo safety day on October 1st at Hawthorne School from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The Traffic Division will also implement target enforcement at high pedestrian collision areas during the month.</p>

<p>&ldquo;Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of roadway users,&rdquo; said Sergeant Villanti. &ldquo;All of us, drivers and walkers alike, need to take care, watch for others, and share the road safely with everyone.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Both drivers and walkers are cautioned to put down the cell phones, since electronic distractions are seen in increasing numbers of pedestrian crashes.&nbsp; Other factors for drivers include high speed and failure to see and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.&nbsp; For pedestrians, the major dangers are jaywalking and thinking that they can be seen at night, especially while wearing dark clothing.</p>

<p>In addition to local efforts, the California Office of Traffic Safety is kicking off a new campaign, &ldquo;Pedestrians Don&rsquo;t Have Armor,&rdquo;&nbsp;which highlights the importance of pedestrian safety awareness, regardless of whether one is&nbsp;on foot or behind the wheel. &nbsp; Caltrans has kicked off its new California State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan aimed at improving safety and access for everyone across all modes, particularly bicycle and pedestrian.&nbsp; The CHP is emphasizing safe walking through its international award winning California Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Enforcement and Education Project.</p>

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