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Pedestrian Safety Starts with You: Stay Alert to Protect People Walking
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month
 
Petaluma, Calif. – October is National Pedestrian Safety Month.The Petaluma Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians were killed  in traffic crashes across the United States in 2022. In California alone, 1,158 pedestrian were struck and killed on California roads in 2022, accounting for 26 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the state. The high number of pedestrians injured and killed on our roads highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures for people walking.
 
“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives,"Traffic Sergeant Walt Spiller said. "We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.”
 
To promote the safety of people walking, The Petaluma Police Department will conduct multiple safety events geared towards pedestrian safety and targeting dangerous driving behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals. 
 
The Petaluma Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.
 
Drivers

• Do not speed, and slow down at 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 impaired.