Printer-friendly version
Source: La Mesa Police Dept.
In an alarming trend, there have been 86 injury collisions in La Mesa between January 2013 and December 2015 involving pedestrians, resulting in 61 injuries and 4 fatalities. “This is a significant increase in serious pedestrian related collisions.” -- LMPD
October 15, 2019 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department received a $25,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to fund a year-long program aimed at improving the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The grant period is from Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020 and funds a variety of educational programs for youth and adults to learn best safety practices walking or riding a bike.
Grant funding will be used to conduct bicycle training classes and educational workshops for youth and older adults on bicycle and pedestrian safety, as well as educating the public on the importance of safety equipment like reflective armbands, leg bands, headlights, taillights, reflectors and helmets. The funding will also be utilized to participate in national education campaign events and programs such as National Walk to School Day, Bicycle Safety Month, Pedestrian Safety Month, Safe Routes to Schools and Vision Zero.
Bicycle and pedestrian-related collisions have been on the rise the past five years. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads, a nearly 33% increase from 2012. In 2016, 147 bicyclists were killed in crashes on California roads, a 14% increase from 2012.
According to the most recent available statistics, the City of La Mesa ranks #37 out of 105 agencies with the most vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions. Of note: the City of La Mesa ranks #12 out of 105 when the pedestrian involved is 65 years of age or older.
In an alarming trend, there have been eighty-six (86) injury collisions in the City of La Mesa between January 2013 and December 2015 involving pedestrians, resulting in sixty-one (61) injuries and four (4) fatalities. This is a significant increase in serious pedestrian related collisions.
“No matter which way you get around, you play a part in roadway safety,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “These grant programs are intended to educate residents on ways they can make themselves and those around them safe when they walk or bike.”
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Recent comments