Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            October 9, 2022                            Sgt. Solve Loken, 310-253-6260, [email protected]
 
Everyone is a Pedestrian: October is National Pedestrian Safety Month
 
Culver City, Calif. – October is National Pedestrian Safety Month and throughout the month the Culver City Police Department will work to raise pedestrian safety awareness, emphasizing that safe drivers, safe speeds and safe vehicles save lives.
 
“Whether in a parking lot, a crosswalk, or on a sidewalk, we are all pedestrians at some point,” Culver City Police Chief Manuel Cid  said. “Drivers, please slow down and be extra careful around people walking. Put yourself in their shoes and drive how you would want someone to drive when you are walking.”
 
The safety of people outside of vehicles is a significant traffic safety concern, with at least two pedestrians or bicyclists killed on California roads every day. Between 2010 and 2019 in California, pedestrian deaths increased more than 40 percent and bicyclist deaths went up more than 60 percent. In 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed in the United States – an average of 18 pedestrians a day and one pedestrian killed every 81 minutes.
 
Speeding, poor lighting, mid-block crossing and impairment are the main factors in traffic collision where pedestrians are being struck by vehicles.
 
The Culver City Police Department offers the following safe driving and walking tips:
 
Drivers

• Obey the speed limits and slow down at uncontrolled intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
   

Pedestrians

• Use signalized crosswalks where drivers expect foot traffic whenever possible.
• Always yield to vehicles when crossing a roadway outside a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and be careful crossing the street, especially busier streets with higher speed limits. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to come to a stop.
• Get in the habit of wearing light colors, reflective materials, and walking with a flashlight at night so it is easier for drivers to see you.

 
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
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