October is recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – Lake Elsinore Station is reminding drivers to take extra care to protect pedestrians in the communities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Canyon Lake.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and one is injured every 8 minutes in traffic crashes across the United States. In California alone, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2023.
“In the Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and Canyon Lake communities, walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around,” Deputy Grisso said. “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 highlights that vehicle speed plays a major role in pedestrian safety. A difference of just 15 miles per hour—comparing speeds of 20 MPH to 35 MPH—can greatly increase the risk of fatality if a pedestrian is struck.
Funding for this program comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information about careers with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, interested individuals can visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
