“The Walking Man” sculpture in South Pasadena (Photo – cityofsouthpasadena)
The South Pasadena Police Department is highlighting two September traffic-safety priorities: pedestrian safety and child passenger safety.
By News Desk
Pedestrian Safety
September is California Pedestrian Safety Month, and police are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert and watch for pedestrians.
In 2024, 1,090 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in California—28% of all pedestrian fatalities. Because pedestrians do not have the protection of a vehicle, even a small increase in speed can make a crash more severe.
“Everyone, regardless of how they travel, deserves to arrive at their destination safely,” Police Lt. Shannon Robledo said. “By staying focused and slowing down, especially in areas where more people are walking, we can help prevent crashes and put safety first on every trip.”
The department will conduct a traffic-safety operation Sept. 17 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Officers will focus on dangerous violations that put pedestrians at risk, including speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield, and running stop signs or traffic signals.
Drivers are encouraged to follow speed limits, slow down at intersections, yield at marked and unmarked crosswalks, avoid distractions, and never drive while impaired. Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks when available, walk on sidewalks, look both ways before crossing, and remain visible at night.
Child Passenger Safety
During Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 20–26, the department is also reminding parents and caregivers to use the correct car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for every child. cpsboard.org1
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 46% of car seats are misused. Properly installed car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants younger than 1 and by 54% for children ages 1 to 4 in passenger cars.
“When it comes to protecting our youngest passengers, there is no room for guesswork,” Robledo said. “Child Passenger Safety Week is a good reminder of how critical it is to choose the right car seat and ensure it is installed properly.”
California law requires children younger than 2 to ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall. Children younger than 8 generally must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, AB 435 will require children ages 8 to 15 to pass all five steps of the “Five-Step Test” before riding safely with only a seat belt. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use the test as a guide now and to keep children in the appropriate car seat or booster seat for as long as needed.
More traffic-safety information is available at www.gosafelyca.org.
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