As part of our Caminos del Pueblo/Complete Streets campaign,we’re helping the California Department of Public Health spread the message that when it comes to community safety and transportation – It’s Up to All of Us! Every hour a pedestrian is injured or killed in California. Pedestrians accounted for nearly one out of five deaths in traffic collisions in 2009 – roughly 58 percent more than the national average. To address this deadly statistic,we at Pacoima Beautiful are launching an “It’s Up to All of Us” public education campaign to remind residents to create a safer environment for pedestrians.
One of the most critical changes urged by the campaign is for drivers to slow down. There is a documented relationship between vehicle speeds and pedestrian crash severity. As speeds increase,so does the percent of fatalities. Only about five percent of pedestrians are likely to be killed when struck at 20 mph,whereas nearly 80 percent of pedestrians are likely to be killed when struck at 40 mph. The campaign messages also urge pedestrians to stay alert and to always look up and never assume they are seen by motorists.
The “It’s Up to All of Us” Campaign is made possible by the California Department of Public Health,through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Please help us spread the word,and look for more information coming soon! You can download our first flyer here. Thanks! And remember – it’s up to all of us to make a difference!
