Pedestrian Safety Tips from MBPD

Residents and visitors out and about enjoying Manhattan Beach are advised by the police department to take steps to be safe when walking on roadways by exercising caution at intersections and crosswalks and increasing visibility at night by wearing reflective clothing and carrying flashlights or other lighted objects.

The city's most recent pedestrian-involved collision was on the Fourth of July when a 10-year-old resident "darted out into traffic" at 27th Street and Highland Avenue around 9:30 p.m. The child was transported to the hospital and expected to recover though details of his injuries were publicly available.

To remind pedestrians in the downtown area what to do to remain safe, police conducted a pedestrian safety enforcement operation that resulted in 21 citations issued: seven for "Pedestrian walking across the red hand," four for "Cell phone use while driving and 10 for "Driver failing to yield for pedestrian in a crosswalk."

From July 24, 2012 to July 24 this year, records show seven reported pedestrian-involved collisions, said Stephanie Martin of the Manhattan Beach Police Department. 

The city plans to conduct random enforcement of pedestrian-related laws throughout summer since the department's goal is to prevent injury and accidents.

Here are tips on how to be safe when you are walking:

• Walk on the greenbelt, The Strand and sidewalks whenever they are available.
• Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by personal electronics.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with the driver as they approach.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective at night.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways and parking lots.

How to be safe when you are driving:

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk lines.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones, around parks and in neighborhoods.
• Be extra cautious when backing up.