PASO ROBLES – October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and Paso Robles Police Department encourages the public to remember that everyone is a pedestrian.
“Whether in a parking lot, crosswalk, or intersection, we are all pedestrians,” Paso Robles Police Department Commander Davis said. “Always be aware and look for pedestrians. We want those who are out walking to be safe and feel safe when traveling.”
In an effort to promote a safe walking environment in our community, the Paso Robles Police Department will focus on locations with a higher number of incidents of vehicle crashes involving pedestrians.
The number of pedestrians killed has grown by about 50% over the past decade, with 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2018, or one traffic-related pedestrian death every 84 minutes. Excess speed, poor lighting, crossing outside crosswalks, and impairment are the main factors that lead to a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.
Paso Robles Police Department offers the following tips for drivers and pedestrians:
Drivers
• Slow down on busy streets and intersections.
• Always look for pedestrians in intersections. Stop and allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians have
the right of way at all marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Stay off the phone and avoid other distracting behaviors such as eating, grooming, or using in-dash touch screens.
• Do your best not to block crosswalks, making a right-hand turn.
• Keep headlights on at night and be extra careful when pedestrians are harder to see.
Pedestrians
• Obey signs and signals. Try to cross at marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals where
cars expect to see pedestrians.
• Make eye contact and nod or wave at drivers. A quick nod or wave is an easy way to let a driver
know you see them, and they see you.
• Get in the habit of walking with a flashlight or wearing a reflective vest at night, so it is easier for
drivers to spot you.
• If you need to briefly walk into the street to maintain social distancing on sidewalks, look both
ways for passing cars.
