September Safety Operation in King City on September 22

City of King – September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the King City Police Department conducted a

Pedestrian Safety Operation on September 22, 2022, at various intersections throughout the city. These

types of operations are about saving lives and preventing injuries. The goal of these operations is to make

the roadways safer for pedestrians.

During this operation, the King City Police Department deployed a pedestrian decoy 144 times crossing

the street and on 24 (17%) occasions drivers failed to yield for the pedestrian crossing the street within a

marked crosswalk. Of the 24 people who failed to yield to the pedestrian with the right of way, 14 drivers

were issued citations for failing to yield to the right of way of the pedestrian. In addition, during the

operation one other driver was pulled over and issued a citation for failing to stop for a red light. Of the

15 drivers who received citations, two drivers were driving on suspended licenses and received

misdemeanor citations.

The King City Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when

behind the wheel or walking:

Drivers

· Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at

marked and unmarked crosswalks.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

· Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.

· Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a

driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors, reflective material and

use a flashlight.

· Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher

speed limits.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration