October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and Scotts Valley Police Department is urging drivers to exercise extra caution to protect pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every eight minutes in traffic crashes. In California alone, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2023.
Vehicle speed plays a critical role, as a difference of just 15 mph—from 20 to 35 mph—significantly increases the risk of death for pedestrians struck by a vehicle, who lack the protections of drivers and passengers.
“In Scotts Valley, walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around,” said Scotts Valley PD Sgt. Sjon Tol. “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.”
To promote pedestrian safety, Scotts Valley PD will conduct traffic safety operations throughout October during morning and afternoon commutes. These efforts will focus on addressing dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.
The department emphasizes several driving tips to help keep everyone safe. Drivers should obey posted speed limits, especially near streets, schools and neighborhoods where children are present. Extra caution is advised in low-visibility conditions, and drivers are reminded to always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and avoid blocking crosswalks when making turns. Avoiding distractions like texting or eating while driving is also crucial.
Funding for these safety initiatives is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
