Police department reminds drivers “pedestrians don’t have armor“.

The California Office of Traffic Safety again announced that September is “California Pedestrian Safety Month” which began last year in response to the rising number of pedestrians being killed and injured on California roadways.

The Monterey Park Police Department joined with other law enforcement agencies, city and state transportation agencies, pedestrian advocates and walking clubs to promote public awareness aimed at both drivers and pedestrians alike to always be aware of each other and share the road responsibly.

This month draws attention to the 892 pedestrians who were killed on California roadways in 2016 alone, accounting for over 24 percent of all roadways deaths in the state, up from 17 percent just a decade ago. The Monterey Park Police Department investigated three pedestrian fatal collisions and another 31 major injury collisions. Most injuries are life changing and permanent.

The Monterey Park Police Department mapped out locations over the past several years where pedestrian collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those collisions. Traffic Officers working overtime and others on routine patrol focused enforcement both on drivers as well as pedestrian who violate traffic laws.

Both drivers and walkers were cautioned to put down the cell phones, since electronic distractions are seen in increasing numbers of pedestrian crashes. Other factors for drivers include unsafe speed and failure to see and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. For pedestrians, the major dangers are jaywalking and thinking that they can be seen at night, especially while wearing dark clothing. To learn about the dangers of being a pedestrian, who is at risk and safety tips visit Pedestrian Safety (http://www.ots.ca.gov/Media_and_Research/Campaigns/Ped_Safety/default.asp).

The California Office of Traffic Safety continues to remind motorist that “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7xS7SbT2lI) This public service announcement highlights the importance of pedestrian safety awareness, regardless of whether one is on foot or behind the wheel.

Funding for this enforcement campaign is provided to the Monterey Park Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.