CARLSBAD, Calif. – September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the City of Carlsbad is promoting awareness of safe practices through several programs aimed at educating walkers and drivers and increasing enforcement.
The Carlsbad Police Department will join the California Office of Traffic Safety in an annual campaign that includes enhanced enforcement in Carlsbad’s downtown and beach areas, which are the most heavily used by pedestrians. Officers will be focused on the dangerous driving behaviors that put pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield, and running stop signs and signals.
The City of Carlsbad proclaimed a traffic safety local emergency on Aug. 23, in response to city data that showed collisions involving bikes and e-bikes increased over 200% since 2019. The city’s efforts are focused on all modes of travel, not just bikes, and include education, engineering and enforcement.
“Roadways should be safe for everyone who uses them,” stated program coordinator Officer Kyle Clement. “Slow down, remove distractions and be aware of what is going on around you. If we all look out for one another, we can all get where we need to go safely.”
Safe driving and walking tips
Drivers
Remove distractions. This includes the phone or anything that can divide your attention.
Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Watch for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and always stop.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.
Model safe driving behaviors and talk with your teens about the rules of the road.
Pedestrians
Be predictable. Use crosswalks where drivers may anticipate pedestrians.
Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care when crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors, reflective material and use a flashlight.
Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busy streets with higher speed limits.
Practice safe walking routes and behaviors with your children.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information
Officer Kyle Clement, kyle.clement@carlsbadca.gov
