Monday was bike and pedestrian safety enforcement day in Dana Point and all throughout Orange County, according the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The focus was on factors that cause accidents between motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. the OCSD mapped out locations all around Orange County where pedestrian and bike collisions have occurred over the last three years. Officers were looking for any violations made by drivers, bike riders, pedestrians that can lead to traumatic injuries.
“Special attention will be directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in cross walks or any other dangerous violation,” OCSD Public Information Officer Lt. Mark Stichter said.”
Instances were observed where pedestrians cross the street illegally – jaywalking, or failing to yield to drivers who have the right of way, bike riders were stopped and citations were issued when they failed to follow the same traffic laws that apply to motorists. Bicycle and pedestrian related accidents and deaths are rising in California as more people use these non-motorized means of transportation. According to statistics, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has investigated 759 fatal and injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists in the past 3 years. in 2013, California saw 701 pedestrians and 141 bicyclists killed, accounting for more than 28% of all traffic fatalities.
The officers were out to tell the public that it is time to be safe as we are out on the road – whether we are driving, walking, biking – it is imperative for us to be careful and to follow the rules of the road.
Suffering from Injuries? Contact a Dana Point Personal Injury Attorney!
If you have been injured in an accident or have lost a loved one, please contact us to discuss your case today. Consultations are free!
