South OC Times

October marks National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is reminding drivers to take additional precautions to protect pedestrians.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that, on average, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes. In California alone, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2023.

“In Orange County, walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around,” said Regional Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii. “We want to make sure that people walking are safe. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for people. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can reduce crashes and serious injuries.”

The department highlights that vehicle speed plays a significant role in pedestrian safety. A speed increase from 20 MPH to 35 MPH greatly raises the risk of fatality for pedestrians if struck by a vehicle.

Throughout October, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will carry out traffic safety operations targeting driver behaviors known to endanger pedestrians. These include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield, and running stop signs or signals.

The department also provides tips for drivers aimed at keeping all road users safe during National Pedestrian Safety Month.