September is California Pedestrian Safety Month
The National City Police Department reminds the public that
“Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor"
September is Pedestrian Safety Month and the National City Police Department will be joining the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), along with other law enforcement agencies, transportation agencies and pedestrian advocates to promote public awareness aimed at pedestrian safety.
Both in California and nationally, the number of pedestrians killed or injured on roadways is rising at alarming rates. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed and more than 14,000 injured in California alone, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012
National City Police Traffic officers working overtime and others on routine patrol will be focusing enforcement both on drivers as well as pedestrians who violate traffic laws, such as speeding, making illegal turns, driving distracted, failing to stop for signs and signals, or failing to yield to drivers or pedestrians.
The National City Police Department supports efforts by OTS to educate drivers that “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor.” This campaign highlights the importance of pedestrian safety awareness, regardless of whether one is on foot or behind the wheel.
Pedestrians should always use crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or light, make eye contact with drivers and look before stepping into a crosswalk. Drivers should be alert for pedestrians, use caution when backing up and be courteous and patient, waiting for pedestrians with right of way to safely cross street. Both drivers and pedestrians should avoid distractions by not using cell phones and focusing on the task at hand.
Safety goes both ways, and drivers and pedestrians must work together to exhibit safe behaviors that protect themselves and those around them, reducing injuries and saving lives.
Funding for this enforcement campaign is provided to the National City Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety.
Address/Location
National City Police Department
1200 National City Boulevard
National City, CA 91950
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 619-336-4400