The Santa Barbara Police Department will conduct a “Vision Zero” pedestrian safety enforcement operation Sunday, aimed at eliminating all serious and fatal collisions on city streets.
Officers will be looking for violations by drivers and pedestrians that are illegal and dangerous. Police will pay special attention to drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, speeding, making illegal turns, not stopping for signs and signals and any other traffic violation, said Anthony Wagner, police spokesman.
Officers will also make contact with pedestrians who cross the street illegally, fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way or who appear distracted while walking, Mr. Wagner said.
In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. In 2018, the Santa Barbara Police Department investigated three fatal and 69 injury collisions involving pedestrians, Mr. Wagner said.
“Pedestrians should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal,” he said. “In addition, pedestrians should be looking for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.”
Drivers are reminded to wait for pedestrians to cross the street and to be prepared to stop when approaching an intersection with heavy foot traffic.
Funding for the program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
