September is California Pedestrian Safety Month

Remember! Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor

The California Office of Traffic Safety is again announcing that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month” which began last year in response to the rising number of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways.

Upland 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.

This month draws attention to the 892 pedestrians who were killed on California roadways in 2016 alone, accounting for over 24 percent of all roadways deaths in the state, up from 17 percent just a decade ago. Since January 2016, Upland PD investigated 2 pedestrian fatal collisions and another 45 major injury collisions. Most injuries are life changing and permanent. Officers will join the effort by deploying specialized traffic enforcement operations to educate and enforce pedestrian related offenses. This includes both pedestrian and motoring violators. Our traffic department is also working closely with our local school district. We are trying to educate young people with crosswalk laws. In addition, Upland PD is utilizing several social media sites to educate motorist with vehicle and pedestrian rights-of-way. Our goal is to end or significantly reduce vehicle vs pedestrian injury traffic accidents.

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 working overtime and others on routine patrol will be focusing enforcement both on drivers as well as pedestrian who violate traffic laws.

Both drivers and walkers are cautioned to put down the cell phones, since electronic 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, the major dangers are jaywalking and thinking that 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 Pedestrian Safety.

The California Office of Traffic Safety continues to remind motorist 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.

Funding for this enforcement campaign is provided to Upland Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.