How Motorists Can Keep Pedestrians Safe, According To The LASD

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued a public advisory on traffic safety precautions Wednesday, in recognition of October as National Pedestrian Safety Month.

Pedestrians are killed on average every 72 minutes and sustain injuries approximately every 8 minutes in traffic-related incidents, with California reporting a total of 1,106 pedestrian fatalities in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Sgt. Michael Lenning said residents and tourists in Los Angeles County should be able to travel safely and easily, emphasizing that motorists must take greater precautions while driving.

"We want to make sure that people walking are safe. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for people," Lenning said. "Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can reduce crashes and serious injuries."

According to the sheriff's department, an increase in vehicle speed of just 15 mph significantly raises the likelihood that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle will suffer fatal injuries.

Deputies are expected to conduct safety operations throughout the month of October, focusing on the most dangerous traffic behaviors — such as speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or traffic signals.

Tips offered by the department to promote traffic safety include:

• Following the speed limit, especially near pedestrians, school zones and residential neighborhoods.
• Using extra caution when driving in low-visibility conditions.
• Driving sober at all times.
• Always stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks and avoiding blocking them while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Avoiding distractions such as texting or eating while driving.

The funding for these operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

City News Service