TPG Online Daily

$100 Million For Pedestrian Safety in California

As the U.S. Department of Transportation establishes October as the first-ever National Pedestrian Safety Month, Caltrans is refining its programs to reduce injury and death on California roadways.

Pedestrian deaths have increased nationwide over the last decade. In California, pedestrians are 37 times more likely to be injured in a collision than any other roadway user. Between 2008 and 2017, pedestrian-related incidents accounted for 19 percent of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury.

“At least two pedestrians or cyclists lose their lives on California’s transportation system each day — a number we refuse to accept or normalize,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Safety remains our top priority and the department will work diligently until the trend is reversed. Data-driven augmentations to safety features and a recent $100 million investment dedicated to pedestrian-focused infrastructure improvements will help enhance safety for those who walk and bike on California roadways.”

Safety Times Publishing Group Inc tpgonlinedaily.comThe most recent study, covering 2007 to 2013, found pedestrian injuries have declined nine percent but Santa Cruz County, despite its small size, had the 7th highest rate of non-fatal pedestrian injuries, comparable to San Mateo and San Diego counties.

Caltrans is analyzing high-risk locations using traffic collision data, then using a first-of-its-kind toolbox — with 47 safety measure — to determine the best safety improvement. Improvements include:

Caltrans is already implementing these safety measures in certain locations — so far, none in Santa Cruz County — and expects to identify further locations by September 2021.

In addition, the California Transportation Commission recently approved $100 million for projects that promote active transportation options, such as:


The California Office of Traffic Safety is providing more than $8 million in funding for programs dedicated to the safe and equal access of roads for pedestrians, including:

National Pedestrian Safety Month is an important reminder that we are all pedestrians at one time or another and that we all play a role in protecting those who walk on California’s transportation system.

“Behavior change goes hand in hand with infrastructure improvements,” said Barbara Rooney, director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “Safe habits by drivers and pedestrians complement a transportation system that is designed with pedestrian travel in mind.”

Tips for drivers:

Tips for pedestrians:

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For information about Caltrans pedestrian programs see dot.ca.gov/programs/safety-programs/ped-bike and visit the Office of Traffic Safety gosafelyca.org/bicycle-pedestrian-safety/ website for pedestrian safety tips.

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