Full Notification

Newark, CA – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California, and the Newark Police Department wants to remind drivers to slow down and stay alert for pedestrians on our roads. By taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Walking should always be a safe and convenient way to get around any community.
 
According to projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023. In California alone, pedestrian deaths account for more than 27 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for heightened awareness and safety measures on our roads.

“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives,” said Newark Police Officer Frank Herbert. “Safety begins with you, whether you're driving or walking. Small actions like slowing down, avoiding distractions, and yielding at crosswalks can make a life-saving difference.”

The Newark Police Department offers the following safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians:

Drivers:

• Do not speed and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians:

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers are more likely to expect foot traffic.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and exercise caution when crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Increase your visibility at night by wearing bright colors, reflective materials, or using a flashlight when practical.
• Exercise extra caution when crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busy roads with higher speed limits.

Share your thoughts on pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at www.gosafelyca.org.