October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Concord Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert for pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian is killed every 72 minutes and injured every eight minutes in traffic crashes. In California, 1,106 pedestrians were killed in 2023.
Concord Police Lt. Renee Williams said the department wants walking in Concord to be an easy and safe way to get around. Officers are urging drivers to take extra time to look out for people on foot. Small actions like slowing down, putting away distractions, and yielding at crosswalks can prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Vehicle speed has a major impact on pedestrian safety. A person struck at 35 mph is far more likely to be killed than someone hit at 20 mph. To help prevent crashes, the Concord Police Department will focus on dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield, and running stop signs or signals. Extra traffic safety operations are planned for October 24 and October 27, 2025.
Drivers are encouraged to follow speed limits, especially near schools and neighborhoods; use extra caution in low-visibility conditions; drive sober; stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and avoid blocking them while turning; and stay focused on the road by avoiding distractions like texting or eating.
Most Concord drivers think only of themselves.
Same with pedestrians!
And the other 11 months are open season?
The new crosswalk lights on Willow Pass at San Vicente are a huge improvement. Sad that it takes flashing red lights to get people’s attention.
Only this month … then its open season again 🙂