Sacramento, California – A few seconds of impatience behind the wheel can carry life-changing consequences for someone crossing the street. That is the message Sacramento police are emphasizing this September as California marks Pedestrian Safety Month and communities across the state focus renewed attention on people traveling on foot.
The numbers show why that caution matters. In California, 1,090 pedestrians were struck and killed in 2024, representing 28% of all traffic deaths statewide. The Sacramento Police Department is urging drivers to slow down, stay focused and remember that pedestrians have far less protection when a collision happens.
“Everyone, regardless of how they travel, deserves to arrive at their destination safely,” Sacramento Police Department Sergeant Anna Mahoney said.
“Drivers play a critical role in keeping people walking safe. By staying focused and slowing down, especially in areas where there are more people walking, we can help prevent crashes and put safety first on every trip.”
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Police say speed is one of the most important factors drivers can control. A person walking does not have the protection of a vehicle, seat belt or other safety equipment, and the force of a crash becomes more severe as vehicle speed increases.
Drivers are being reminded to know and obey posted speed limits, while paying particular attention at intersections. Motorists should be prepared to stop for pedestrians using both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
The department is also asking drivers to eliminate distractions. That means putting mobile devices aside, avoiding activities such as eating behind the wheel and making sure conversations with passengers do not pull attention away from traffic conditions. Driving while impaired should never be an option.
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Extra caution is especially important after dark and when weather reduces visibility. Rain, fog and other difficult conditions can make pedestrians harder to see and increase the time needed for a vehicle to stop safely.
Pedestrians also have several ways to make themselves easier for drivers to notice. Sacramento police recommend using marked crosswalks and signalized crossings when they are available, since those are locations where motorists are more likely to expect people on foot.
People should use sidewalks whenever possible. Where no sidewalk exists, pedestrians are advised to walk facing traffic. Before entering a roadway, they should look in both directions and try to make eye contact with approaching drivers rather than assuming they have been seen.
Visibility becomes particularly important at night. Bright clothing, reflective materials or a flashlight can help drivers spot someone sooner. Police also recommend avoiding headphones and phone conversations while crossing streets so pedestrians can remain aware of nearby traffic.
The broader message behind Pedestrian Safety Month is simple: walking should be a safe and practical way to move through Sacramento and other California communities. Reaching that goal depends on both drivers and pedestrians paying attention to what is happening around them.
More traffic safety information is available at Go Safely California.
Funding for the pedestrian safety program is provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.