Pedestrian Safety Month

Burbank, CA - October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Burbank Police Department reminds drivers to take extra precautions to help protect pedestrians.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes across the United States. In California, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2023.

Vehicle speed plays a major role in pedestrian safety. A difference of just 15 miles per hour significantly increases the risk that a pedestrian will be seriously injured or killed if struck by a vehicle.

As Halloween approaches, the Burbank Police Department urges drivers and pedestrians to be especially careful. With more children and families walking through neighborhoods during the evening, visibility, attentiveness, and respect for neighborhood safety are critical.

Drivers:

• Slow down in residential neighborhoods and watch for pedestrians (trick-or-treaters) crossing mid-block or between parked cars
• Obey all traffic and parking regulations. Do not block driveways, fire hydrants, or crosswalks
• Avoid double parking or stopping in the middle of the street

Pedestrians and Families:

• Cross streets at corners or marked crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing
• Use flashlights or wear reflective clothing to increase visibility
• Do not congregate in the middle of the street when viewing decorated houses or attending neighborhood events
• Be respectful and considerate of residents and neighborhoods

The Burbank Police Department will have extra officers on patrol, focusing on traffic safety. Officers will be monitoring for unsafe driving behaviors, parking violations, and any activity that puts pedestrians at risk.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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