The number of pedestrians killed on California roads continues to rise at an alarming rate, according to the Office of Traffic Safety.
So far this year four people have been killed in Sacramento, the Sacramento Police Department said. Last year 18 pedestrians lost their lives.
Numbers in the City have climbed over the years, with shocking data coming out of 2016. That year 867 pedestrians died, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. That same year more than 14,000 pedestrians were injured.
While the numbers may be surprising, the Office of Traffic Safety points out that drivers are not the only persons at fault in these situations.
In at least three of the four deaths in Sacramento this year, the pedestrian was walking outside of a crosswalk.
March 19, 2019: Police officers found a pedestrian with severe injuries near Mack Road and Stockton Boulevard around 5:14 a.m. They later found out that the person crossed Stockton Boulevard outside of the crosswalk and was struck by a passing vehicle.
Feb.28, 2019: Police officers were called to the area of El Camino Avenue and Erickson Street around 9:54 p.m. and found a pedestrian with severe injuries laying in the road. The investigation revealed that the perosn was crossing El Camino Avenue outside of a crosswalk when she was struck by a passing vehicle. The vehicle fled the scene but later returned.
Jan. 18, 2019: Police officers were called to the 4600 block of Folsom Boulevard after reports of a person on the side of the road around 6:11 a.m. The investigation uncovered that the pedestrian was walking along the eastbound lanes of Folsom Boulevard (in either the bicycle lane or roadway) when she was struck from behind by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The vehicle fled the scene.
The Office provided the following safety reminders for the community:
PEDESTRIANS
- Only cross in designated crosswalks or at intersections
- Make eye contact with drivers and get a commitment before crossing
- Stay alert; avoid using electronics and other devices
- Wear bright or reflective clothing
- Do not walk in the roadway
DRIVERS
- Stay alert; avoid being distracted by using electronic devices
- Obey posted speed laws
- Look ahead and down the road
- Make complete stops prior to crosswalks and limit lines
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