October is recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to be vigilant in protecting pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic incidents across the United States. In California alone, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2023.
“In La Quinta and Coachella, walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around,” said Deputy Ponce of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. “We want to make sure that people walking are safe. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for people. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can reduce crashes and serious injuries.”
The sheriff’s office notes that vehicle speed plays a significant role in pedestrian safety. The likelihood of a fatality increases greatly when a person is struck by a vehicle traveling at higher speeds; specifically, there is a notable difference in risk between being hit at 20 miles per hour compared to 35 miles per hour.
The campaign in La Quinta and Coachella includes driving tips aimed at keeping both drivers and pedestrians safe. Funding for this initiative comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For those interested in more information or considering a career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, applications are available at joinrso.org or by calling 1-888-Join-RSD.
