Goleta PD Announces Pedestrian Safety Month

Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff

The California Office of Traffic Safety is again announcing 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 Goleta Police Department will be joining 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. In the last three years, the Goleta PD have investigated 55 pedestrian involved collisions, resulting in 2 deaths and 52 injuries. Most injuries are life changing and permanent.

Traffic Officers working o vertime and others on routine patrol will be focusing enforcement both on drivers as well as pedestrians who violate traffic laws. 

Both drivers and walkers are 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. 

The California Office of Traffic Safety continues to remind motorist that “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor.” 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 prov ided to the Goleta Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for police services.