SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department has been conducting Traffic Safety Enforcement Operations during the month of March to focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Operations already transpired on March 4 and March 12. Additional operations will transpire on March 15, March 20 and March 28.
According to the SFPD website, in the past 3 years, the department has identified areas where major number of pedestrian and bicycle-related collisions have transpired and responded by deploying additional officers to those areas in an effort to prevent deaths and injuries. Special attention will be given to Focus on the Five violations: speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for stop signs and red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians in cross walks, and other dangerous violations.
The city of San Francisco is dedicated to eliminating traffic deaths on its streets as part of Vision Zero SF. Vision Zero SF is the city’s commitment to prioritize safe streets for everyone.
Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are growing in California, as more people utilize other modes of transportation. In 2016, California had 867 pedestrians and 147 bicyclists killed, accounting for more than 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.
All bicyclists are reminded to always wear a helmet – those under 18 years of age must wear helmets by law. Pedestrians should cross the street only in marked or unmarked crosswalks at corners. All drivers are reminded to be aware of others who share the road.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
