CHP Awarded Federal Safety Grant for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release about the federal grant they've been awarded in an effort to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the state. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Education, Enforcement and Awareness Program II is going to run until September 30, 2024 and is focused primarily on educating the public about traffic safety laws for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. There will also be an enforcement component to this initiative.  

According to the CHP, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities account for 20 percent of all traffic-related deaths in CHP jurisdiction. Between 2020 and 2023, 1,519 of the 7,559 people killed in crashes in CHP jurisdiction were cyclists and pedestrians. Listed below are some tips from the CHP for drivers, pedestrians and bicycle riders.  

Tips for Drivers  

  • Adhere to posted speed limits.  
  • Stay focused on driving.  
  • No distractions behind the wheel.  
  • Yield to pedestrians and stop for people walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.  
  • Maintain three feet of distance when passing bicycles, and change lanes when possible.  

Pedestrians  

  • Stay alert to oncoming traffic.  
  • Use crosswalks when available, and exercise caution at night or near busier streets.  
  • Increase your visibility at night by wearing light-colored clothing, reflective material and carrying a flashlight.  

Cyclists  

  • Ride in the same direction as traffic.  
  • Adhere to the same rules and regulations of the road as any slow-moving vehicle.  
  • Employ hand signals, and use bike lanes, when accessible.
  • Wear a helmet, and ensure your bike is equipped with lights when riding at night.  

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month  

Since October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, roadway users in California can expect to see enhanced enforcement efforts for pedestrian safety. Additionally, the CHP will be conducting educational events this month and throughout the rest of the year-long grant-funded time period.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident or a bicycle accident in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.