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Fact Check: Is Jaywalking Really Legal in California Now?
You may have heard that jaywalking is now legal in California, but this is incorrect. Jaywalking is still against the law, but as of January 1, 2023, police are no longer permitted to stop pedestrians and issue citations for jaywalking unless the person who is crossing the street is creating a hazard.
Santa Barbara Airport Is Unsafe for Pedestrians
Let’s face it, even in Santa Barbara, going to the airport is a big hassle. Crowds, long lines, and waiting around for your flight is no fun at all. And Covid makes it even more frustrating because you have to wear a mask and keep your distance when standing in line.
Now there’s another problem at the Santa Barbara Airport – there aren’t enough parking spaces. That means passengers need to arrive even earlier to avoid missing their flight. The congestion and confusion in the airport parking lot is a serious issue that could cause dangerous accidents involving drivers and pedestrians.
Pedestrian Accidents: Where and When Do They Happen?
Every few years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) releases a report on how many pedestrians were hit and injured by vehicles and under what circumstances those collisions occurred. These reports can give pedestrians and drivers an insight into when to pay close attention to traffic, when to slow down, and when to be careful. After all, when a car hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian will likely be severely injured, and no one wants to be the cause of someone else’s suffering.
SBPD Hopes to Make Roads Safer for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
The Santa Barbara Police Department chose June 10, 2019, as a good day to tackle road safety. They conducted a bicycle-and-pedestrian-safety enforcement operation, which was on the look-out for drivers, cyclists, and walkers who were violating traffic laws. The SBPD received a grant to fund this program in part from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Stay Safe While Enjoying the Fresh New Year
There is a lot to see and do around Santa Barbara come Spring, but it’s important to stay safe. Whether you are driving or walking around, be mindful of others and make sure you never get behind the wheel after drinking. The local trolley companies are a great way to get around, but be careful as you get on and off them. If you see someone else doing something illegal or putting others in danger, contact the police to protect your neighbors and yourself.
Pedestrians in Greatest Danger in Decades
For the second year in a row, pedestrian deaths have increased in America.
Pedestrians in Southern California share the roads with bicyclists, motorcycles, and cars, but lack protection from the tremendous damage these vehicles can cause. As drivers become more careless—usually due to mobile devices—pedestrian are in greater danger of being injured or killed.
Navigating Crowded Parking Lots This Holiday Season
Parking lots are dangerous places. An estimated one in five motor vehicle accidents will take place in a parking lot. The combination of drivers and pedestrians in close quarters can be a serious hazard. During the holidays, the large crowds and higher likelihood of stressed-out people rushing about makes for a particularly frightful situation.
Drive Safely in Residential Neighborhoods
Did you know that in the United States, there are more children killed by motor vehicles, comparatively, than other first-world nations? Even though our healthcare system gives a child injured in a crash a better chance of survival, it’s not enough.
Driving through residential neighborhoods is different from cruising along a highway—it can require more care and caution. In particular, drivers must be careful of children who may run into the street.
Safely Watching Your Step During the Holidays?
The typical holiday shopper image is that of a pedestrian leaving the mall, uncomfortably loaded with too many bags full of merchandise, on their way to the parking lot. For many shoppers, especially those with young children, this is the time of the year that there are more people out at shopping centers paying attention to those kids than they are the cars driving by. And that creates a dangerous situation.
Pedestrians Beware on Black Friday!
The day after Thanksgiving offers some of the best sales of the holiday season, making it one of the busiest shopping days in America. All of that shopping means lots of traffic, which can be hazardous not only to other drivers but also to pedestrians who often share the road. While people should always be mindful of drivers and hazards around them while walking in Santa Barbara County, there are additional concerns to keep in mind on Black Friday. In general, be wary whenever crossing roads, don’t assume drivers see you and will stop for you; always make eye contact with drivers before stepping in front of their vehicle. Be considerate of other pedestrians on sidewalks.