Police remind drivers to watch for pedestrians during Pedestrian Safety Month
Department urges drivers to slow down, stay alert and yield in crosswalks
– October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Atascadero Police Department is reminding drivers to take extra precautions to protect people walking.
“In Atascadero, we’re committed to reinforcing everyday safety actions like slowing down, following the posted speed limit, staying alert and yielding to people in crosswalks,” said Police Commander Matt Chesson. “Drivers have an outsized role to keep all people walking safe. Remember that pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers traveling inside vehicles.”
On average, 19 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes every day in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2024, an estimated 7,080 people walking were struck and killed by vehicles. Of those, 1,090 were killed in California.
The department offers these driving tips:
- Follow the speed limit, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic, around schools and in neighborhoods where children are present.
- Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for people crossing or walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Use extra caution at night or when conditions are less than optimal, such as rain or fog.
- Avoid distractions such as using a mobile device, deep conversations with passengers or eating while driving.
- Drive sober.
The message is part of the California Office of Traffic Safety’s Think Two Steps Ahead pedestrian safety theme. Earlier this year, police also addressed a trend of pedestrian signal violations, and the department received a grant for traffic safety operations last year.
For more information, visit the City of Atascadero website or call the Atascadero Police Department at 805-470-3400.
