SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
In California alone, more than 1,100 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They also reported more than 7,500 deaths across the U.S.
In Yolo County specifically, the Health and Human Services Agency said there were 27 fatalities between 2019 and 2023.
“The more rural communities we have outside in the unincorporated area, the cities there, while there are less traffic, less people, there also tends to be less sidewalks, less bike lanes and less traffic stops,” said Steven Jensen, health program manager for Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency.
And Yolo County isn't alone. Agencies, law enforcement and fire departments across the state remind walkers, bikers and drivers to be aware and slow down. And for drivers, don't drive impaired.
Manteca police say each measure they take to improve pedestrian safety brings them one step closer to saving lives.
In Sacramento, city leaders said car crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists have reached a crisis level and they plan to declare a state of emergency on the issue.
Their proposal would create a public education campaign and ramp up enforcement of traffic laws to protect pedestrians.
The state of emergency would also come in tandem with the city's "Vision Zero," which seeks to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2027.
Sacramento officials said more than 200 pedestrians and cyclists have died after being hit by a car since 2012.
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