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Police Focus Efforts On Pedestrian Safety Month
OTS

September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Oakdale Police Department will participate in activities throughout the month encouraging the safety of people walking.

Based on data projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 7,485 people, or an average of 20 people every day, died after being struck by a vehicle last year – an 11.5 percent increase from 2020 and a 40-year high.

To promote the safety of people walking, the Oakdale Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.

The Oakdale Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.

 

Drivers

Do not speed, 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.

 

Pedestrians

Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.

Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care 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 busier streets with higher speed limits.

 

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