September is California Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Goleta Police Department is reminding drivers to watch for pedestrians and drive carefully. The department stresses the importance of taking extra precautions to help protect those walking and reduce traffic crashes and injuries.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic incidents across the United States in 2023. In California, there were 1,106 pedestrian fatalities on state roads last year, making up 27 percent of all traffic-related deaths statewide. These numbers underscore a continued need for awareness and improved safety measures for pedestrians.
“Pedestrian safety should be every driver’s priority.” Sergeant Noel Rivas said. “Safety begins with you, whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot. Slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.”
The Goleta Police Department has released several recommendations for both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers are advised not to speed, especially at intersections; they should be ready to stop for pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. They are also urged not to block crosswalks while waiting to turn right and never to drive while impaired.
For pedestrians, officials recommend using signalized crosswalks where possible so that drivers expect foot traffic. Pedestrians should remain alert when crossing streets—at 30 mph, a car needs about 90 feet to come to a complete stop—and take steps such as wearing bright or reflective clothing or carrying a flashlight at night so drivers can see them more easily. Extra caution is encouraged when crossing busy or high-speed roads after dark.
Police services in Goleta are provided by the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office. Funding for this program comes from a grant issued by the California Office of Traffic Safety through support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
