October is recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Riverside Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to be vigilant and cautious to protect 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 crashes across the United States. In California alone, 1,106 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2023.
“In Temecula, walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around,” said Deputy Nicolas Gruwell of the Riverside 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. A difference of just 15 miles per hour—from 20 MPH to 35 MPH—can greatly increase the risk of fatality if a pedestrian is struck.
Funding for this safety program comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For more information or media inquiries about this initiative, contact the Media Information Bureau. Those interested in joining the Riverside Sheriff’s Office can visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
