Just like in the rest of the United States, there are many safety awareness events in the state of California. For example, September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month.” If you live in the Golden State, chances are you know that pedestrian deaths and injuries are a huge issue on California roadways. In response to the rise of pedestrian deaths and injuries, the California State Senate recently passed a resolution. The resolution deemed September as California Pedestrian Safety Month. Now that September is upon us, here is some information you should know about California’s pedestrian safety campaign.
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September Is California Pedestrian Safety Month
Every September, the Cathedral City Police Department will work with city and state transportation agencies, other law enforcement agencies, walking clubs, and pedestrian advocates to raise public awareness about pedestrian safety. The focus of this campaign is to encourage both drivers and pedestrians to be more aware of each other and to learn how to responsibly share the road. The Cathedral City Police Department will conduct a pedestrian and bicycle safety enforcement operation. The operation will focus on local schools and their surrounding streets.
The campaign also draws attention to statistics related to pedestrian deaths and injuries. For example, 813 pedestrians died on the roadways of California in 2015. The number of pedestrian deaths in 2015 accounted for almost a quarter of all roadway deaths in California. The number of pedestrian deaths increased 17 percent from just a decade earlier.
According to Sgt. Nick Chapman, “Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of roadway users.” He emphasize the importance that both drivers and pedestrians watch out for each other and take care of each other to make the roadways in California safe for everyone.
A major goal of these campaigns is to make everyone aware of pedestrian safety tips. Both drivers and pedestrians should put down their phones and other electronic devices. The rise in the number of pedestrian crashes is related to electronic devices. Driving at high speeds, the failure to yield to pedestrians, and the failure to see pedestrians in intersections and crosswalks are also some factors related to the rise in pedestrian crashes. Jaywalking is the main danger for pedestrians. Also, pedestrians should not assume that drivers can see them at night, especially if they are wearing dark clothes.
The California Office of Traffic Safety is starting a new campaign called “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor.” This campaign stresses the importance of awareness for pedestrian safety, no matter who is doing the driving or walking. Caltrans released a new California State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This plan will hopefully improve access and safety for all people and all modes of transportation, especially pedestrian and bicycle. The California Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Enforcement and Education Project, which will make an appearance during California Pedestrian Safety Month, is a campaign by the CHP that won international awards.
Child Passenger Safety Week
Child Passenger Safety Week is another safety awareness event in California that takes place in September. This year, September 17-23 is Child Passenger Safety Week. The leading cause of death of children under the age of 14 is car crashes. In many cases, the use of seat belts, car seats, and boosters could have prevented deaths or injuries. Both the Ad Council and the NHTSA will release new public service ads to raise awareness about child passenger safety among parents and caregivers. September 23 is National Seat Check Saturday, which is when parents and caregivers will be encouraged to check that they have the right car seat for their child’s height, age, and weight.
Undoubtedly, pedestrian and child passenger safety is a major issue in California. However, the California State Senate is optimistic that these new initiatives will have a positive impact on safety on the roadways of California.
