Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog California

Here We Go Again: Pedestrian Safety Month Means Watch Out, People!

California Highway Patrol supports Pedestrian Safety Month with yet another tone deaf Public Safety Announcement putting the onus for safety on the most vulnerable people using roads

September is Pedestrian Safety Month! Doesn't that make you feel safer about walking? Actually the CHP probably doesn't think so, given the PSA they put out recently that reminds pedestrians that it's all on them to stay safe. In all caps, no less, and with a questionable use of commas.

KEEP YOUR EYES UP, AND YOUR PHONE DOWN (never text and walk! Drivers are on their phones and need you to watch for them)
LOOK LEFT, RIGHT AND LEFT AGAIN (maybe they should add "and up and down" for good measure)
ALWAYS WALK ON SIDEWALKS (if there are any)
WEAR BRIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING (because black is so last century)
MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET (even if you can't see them because their windows are illegally tinted. CHP will not do anything about illegally tinted windows)
DO NOT RUN OR DART OUT INTO THE STREET OR CROSS BETWEEN PARKED CARS (although even if you are positively sauntering, a driver may still claim you "darted out")

As usual, the CHP's windshield perspective reveals their view that people trying to navigate streets on foot are merely in the way of the people who really matter - drivers - who don't really seem to have any responsibilities for keeping people safe.

Luckily, the responses to this announcement on the platform formerly known as Twitter were swift and to the point. How can one "make eye contact" through illegally tinted windows, people ask? What about people who wave you on and then cut in front of you anyway?

Thanks, @CHP_HQ. This information is really, really, really helpful. Not.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Leg. and Gov. Avoid Transit Fiscal Cliff. High Speed Rail Funding Steady, Active Transportation Remains Diminished

Thanks to the legislature including Senator's Wiener and Arreguin who stood up to keep transit running, and to Governor Newsom for approving the funding.  And especially thanks to transit supporters who sent tens of thousands of letters and calls to the legislature and governor to make sure we have transit service essential for cost of living, housing and climate. - Adina Levin, Seamless Bay Area

June 24, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

I almost wish I were using this ice image because I was talking about global warming and not that OTHER ICE issue.

June 24, 2025

Which American Cities Are Becoming Bike-Friendly the Fastest?

America has a new most bike-friendly city — but fast-improving communities across the country are hot on its heels.

June 23, 2025

Active Streets: Mission at Twilight – Open Streets Open Thread

How was your experience at yesterday's open streets event - Mission at Twilight - through Alhambra, San Gabriel, and South Pasadena?

June 23, 2025

L.A. Press Club Awards Streetsblog First Place in Best Group Blog Category

The award acknowledges the 2024 calendar year work of SBLA Editors Sahra Sulaiman and Joe Linton, San Gabriel Valley reporters Chris Greenspon and Damien Newton, and Streetsblog California Editor Melanie Curry.

June 23, 2025

Caltrans Admitted the Highway 37 Widening Would be Underwater. Why Bother Deleting the Internet Presentation That Admits It?

Was the report "too woke?" Or is that just the reason Trump uses when the government deletes its own reports with inconvenient truths?

June 23, 2025
See all posts