Full Notification

                                                                                                              
September is Pedestrian Safety Month
 
September is Pedestrian Safety Month and the San Marino Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the state to educate the public on how to be safe when walking or driving.
 
During the month of September, the San Marino Police Department will be specifically looking for violations committed by drivers and pedestrians that make the roads unsafe in our community. 
These violations include speeding, illegal turns, failure to yield, not stopping for signs or signals, and pedestrians who do not cross in marked crosswalks or designated crossing areas.  During the month of August, there were 12 traffic collisions, three of which were hit and run collisions.  Fortunately, we had no pedestrian collisions; however, there were three injury and six non-injury bicycle collisions. 

The San Marino Police Department offers several steps that drivers and pedestrians can take to be safe:

Pedestrians: 

• Be mindful of distractions. Keep your eyes up and phones down, especially when crossing the street.  You can see vehicles easier than they can see you. 
• Always use marked crosswalks, when available, preferably at stop signs or signals. Don’t cross until it is safe to do so. 
• Make eye contact and nod or wave at drivers before crossing in front of them. A quick nod or wave is an easy way to let a driver know you see them, and they see you. Don’t assume the driver sees you just because you are in a crosswalk.
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see. Get in the habit of walking with a flashlight or wearing a reflective vest so it is easier for drivers to spot you. Wear bright colored clothing when possible.
• If you need to briefly walk into the street to maintain social distancing on sidewalks, remember to look both ways for cars and bicycle traffic.
• Walk against traffic, on the sidewalk when available, so you can see when vehicles are approaching. 

• Speed kills!  Do not exceed the posted speed limit.
• Slow down on busy streets and at intersections. Obey speed limit signs at all times. 
• Avoid distractions, which includes cell phones, eating, using in-dash touch screens, radios, or turning to talk to passengers. You cannot use your phone unless legally parked.  Stopped for a traffic signal is NOT considered legally parked!
• Be extra careful when approaching crosswalks. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are in the crosswalk.  Stop prior to the crosswalk. 
• Try to avoid blocking the crosswalk when making a right-hand turn. 
• Make sure it is safe before making any turning movement. Check your blind spot and look for motorcycles and bicyclists. 
• When passing bicyclists, change lanes if safe.  If not, stay at least three feet away from the rider.  Do not drive in bicycle lanes. 
• Completely stop for all stop signs and traffic signals prior to the limit line.  Do not proceed until safe to do so. 
• Be mindful of pedestrians at all times, especially in areas where people are walking, such as around Lacy Park, Mission District, and the businesses along Huntington Drive.  
• Use your lights during darkness and slow down at night, especially when pedestrians are difficult to see. 
• Don’t be in a rush! Try to leave early when possible.

• Everyone under 18 years-old must wear a helmet
• Parents should be an example to their children and wear a helmet to encourage safe habits
• Stop at stops signs and traffic signals.  Obey all traffic laws
• Stay off sidewalks
• Wear bright reflective clothing
• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Do not text, talk, or browse your phone while riding