Thanksgiving
means giving thanks and celebrating with family and friends. It also means
shopping. With that we anticipate an increase in both vehicular and pedestrian
traffic in our communities, especially near and at shopping malls. We want you
to be safe when you leave your homes!
In the San Fernando Valley portion of the City of Los Angeles last year there were 62 fatal traffic collisions. Twenty-nine of those people who died were pedestrians. There has been a slight decrease in the overall number of traffic collisions in the San Fernando Valley (3% - 2012-12,502 compared to 2013-12,090) year to date. There has been an 18% increase in the number of fatal traffic collisions involving pedestrians compared to the year 2012 during this same time period (2012 – 22, 2013 – 26 = +5%). Last Thanksgiving day there 29 traffic collisions. On the following Friday and Saturday there were 40 and 39 traffic collisions respectively.
In an effort to enhance traffic safety, we routinely conduct Crosswalk Enforcement Operations throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our goal is to have a safe and efficient flow of traffic in our city streets for both motorists and pedestrians, especially during this Thanksgiving weekend and throughout the Holiday Season. Look for plain clothes officers crossing at an intersection near you, in plain clothing, to verify that you are yielding to a pedestrian.
Here are some DRIVER AWARENESS recommendations for motorists to stay safe during this Thanksgiving weekend:
1. Drivers need to be alert and respectful of pedestrian rights.
2. Please Slow Down! Especially during evening hours. You need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.
3. At unmarked or marked intersections, such as this marked crosswalk, pedestrians have the legal right to cross the street, unless signs prohibit the crossing. Drivers must be reminded of their legal responsibility to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within any marked or unmarked crosswalks.
4. It is illegal to pass a car that has stopped for a pedestrian who is crossing the intersection.
5. Keep your windshield, windows, and mirrors clean. Make sure defrosters and windshield wipers are working properly and that washer fluid is replaced as needed.
6. Remember, that texting and cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. If you chose to drive with a cell phone in one hand you will have a ticket in the other hand. Distracted driving is dangerous driving which could result you being involved in a traffic collision where someone may be injured or killed.
Seat belts save over 13,000 lives every year. One of them could be yours. Please wear your seat belt and ensure everyone in your vehicle has it on before you drive away.
Our traffic safety message is not only for Angelenos but for all
who will be walking, driving, cycling not only to a large shopping
Mall but also to your local neighborhood store.
Many people travel during the Holidays by car, bus, train or airplane to visit family or
friends. We want you to be safe.
(PEDESTRIAN AWARENESS)
Pedestrians are reminded to cross at an intersection and to exercise the following tips:
1. Wait for a fresh green light.
2. Look both ways before crossing.
3. Continue to look left and right as you cross the street.
4. Make eye contact with the driver to ensure the driver sees you.
5. Remember that having the “right of way” does not protect you from becoming involved in a traffic collision. Don’t depend on a traffic signal to protect you; the driver may be distracted.
6. Crossing the street in L.A. could be dangerous if you are paying attention. Cross the street as if your life depended on it, because it may!
Have a great Holiday Season with your family and friends. If you are going to include alcoholic beverages in your celebration, please do not drink and drive.
LOCK IT, HIDE IT, KEEP IT
In the San Fernando Valley last year there were 9,681 burglary from motor vehicles.
When you arrive at a shopping center, here are some tips to keep you from being victimized. Burglary from a motor vehicle is most often a crime of opportunity. In the San Fernando Valley last year there were 9,681 burglary from motor vehicles. You can minimize your chances of being a victim by taking away the opportunity.
Park your vehicle in well lit areas. Preferably where there is a high volume of pedestrian traffic.
Turn your wheels sharply to one side to prevent your vehicle from being towed by a thief.
Lock your car even if you are going for a quick stop at a local convenience store or mini mall.
Do not leave anything inside your car.
Items to avoid leaving in your car are:
Cellular phones, laptops, cameras, Cds, purses, backpacks, clothing, removable stereos, anything of value. Place them in the trunk or your car or leave the items at home.
When returning to your vehicle from making purchases, drive away and park at another location if you are planning on resuming shopping at the same shopping center. Do not leave your purchased items inside the car and return to the store. Thieves may be watching you and wanting your valuables.
For additional information visit us at www.lapdonline.org.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
