LASD To Have Extra Deputies On Patrol During Pedestrian Safety Month In Santa Clarita

With September being Pedestrian Safety Month, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, (LASD) is set to have additional deputies on patrol throughout the County to enforce laws protecting pedestrians, including in Santa Clarita. 

For the safety of everyone walking or driving, the LASD is expected to have additional deputies on patrol throughout September specifically looking for California Vehicle Code  violations pertaining to drivers and pedestrians, according to Sheriff’s officials.  

“It’s simple, slow down and stop for pedestrians. They have the same rights to the road as everyone else,” said LASD Sgt. Robert Hill. “If you’re walking, be mindful of vehicle traffic and be predictable. We should all be looking out for one another.” 

Pedestrians are more and more at risk on the road, and based on data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 2020 had the largest ever annual increase, 21 percent, in the rate at which drivers struck and killed pedestrians, according to officials. 

In California, pedestrian deaths accounted for 27 percent of all traffic-related deaths in 2019, according to officials. 

Throughout the month of September, deputies are set to be looking for traffic violations including, right-of-way at crosswalks, illegal turns and not stopping for signs or signals, right turn on red or red light runners and speeding.

LASD officials are also  offering steps to drivers and pedestrians they can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:

    

• Pedestrians should be predictable. 
• Use crosswalks
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle 
• No vehicle can stop instantly. 
• At 30 miles per hour a diver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Be visible, Make it easy for drivers to see you — wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
• Use caution crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

• Drivers are being encouraged to follow the speed limit 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.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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