Police Files
Efforts to improve driver and pedestrian interaction on the agenda for the NBPD
As part of Pedestrian Safety Month, the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) is supporting efforts throughout September to improve pedestrian safety and help reduce crashes and injuries.
Pedestrians are more and more at risk on the road. Based on data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 2020 had the largest ever annual increase, 21 percent, in the rate at which drivers struck and killed pedestrians. In California, pedestrian deaths accounted for 27 percent of all traffic-related deaths in 2019.
NBPD Lieutenant Ryan Peters said, “It’s simple: slow down and stop for pedestrians. They have the same rights to the road as everyone else. If you’re walking, be mindful of vehicle traffic and be predictable. We should all be looking out for one another.”
For the safety of everyone walking or driving, the NBPD will have additional officers on patrol throughout the month of September specifically looking for California Vehicle Code (CVC) violations pertaining to drivers and pedestrians.
These violations include right-of-way at crosswalks, illegal turns and not stopping for signs or signals (e.g., right turn on red or red light running) and speeding.
The NBPD offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:
Pedestrians
–Be predictable. Use crosswalks.
–Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
–Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. No vehicle can stop instantly. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
–Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk, or at night.
–Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.
Drivers
–Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
–Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
–Never drive impaired.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NBPD to focus September on bicycle and e-bike safety
The NBPD will also be conducting additional bicycle and e-bike safety enforcement and education throughout the month of September. This operation is aimed at educating both drivers and bicyclists on how to use the roadways safely.
Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and bicyclists, like failing to yield, speeding, improper turning, riding a bike on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stops and signals, or any other dangerous violation.
“We want the public to understand that bicyclists and drivers should be sharing the road and following all traffic laws intended to help everyone get where they need to go safely,” Lieutenant Ryan Peters said. “Sharing is caring, and that responsibility falls on both drivers and bicyclists.”
Under California law, drivers are required to provide at least three feet of space when passing bike riders. Bicyclists need to use lights from dusk to dawn, with a front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors, as well as wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet is required by law for anyone under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
If you are opening a car door or pulling out of a parking space, be on the lookout for bicyclists. Yield to bicyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals and be careful making turns. Drivers and bicyclists should avoid any distractions, like using their cell phone.
“Whether you are on two wheels or four, taking these precautions helps reduce injuries and deaths,” added Sergeant Corey Wolik.
The NBPD supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit www.gosafelyca.org.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.