As part of its ongoing efforts to protect pedestrian safety, the Sacramento Police Department recently issued 55 citations during a traffic safety operation in midtown Sacramento.
Officers involved in the operation focused on drivers failing to yield to pedestrians and other dangerous driving behaviors that put pedestrians at risk, including speeding, illegal turns, and failure to stop at stop signs or signals.
The enforcement operation took place on 24th and J streets, where a plainclothes officer in a bright yellow vest posed as a pedestrian crossing the street. Many drivers failed to stop as required, resulting in citations.
This operation is part of a broader initiative to promote safety and awareness for people walking in the city and coincides with September’s Pedestrian Safety Month.
“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives,” said Sgt. Kenneth Collier of the Sacramento Police Department. “We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions like slowing down, putting away distractions, and yielding at crosswalks can make a life-saving difference.”
Moving forward, SPD will continue to conduct operations to increase pedestrian and traffic safety, the department said.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 7,318 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2023, and in California, pedestrian fatalities account for more than 27% of all traffic-related deaths.
SPD is also sharing important safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians:
Drivers:
- Do not speed; slow down at intersections.
- Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at both 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 expect foot traffic.
- Watch for approaching vehicles and be cautious when crossing streets.
- At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
- Increase your visibility at night by wearing bright colors, reflective material, or using a flashlight.
- Be extra careful when crossing streets at night or on busier roads with higher speed limits.
Funding for these traffic safety operations comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.