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

Thursday’s Headlines

Some cities are moving ahead, some are staying put.

April 3, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Planning Connections in Panther City

Fort Worth's Kelly Porter on the city's city’s history, incredible growth and Texas high-speed rail.

April 3, 2025

New Network Sets Out to Reform State DOTs

"We've done a good job of setting goals that make for a good news headline, yet the state has ultimately dropped the ball on implementation," says Hana Creger of the Greenlining Institute.

April 2, 2025

SGV Connect 135.1 – An Update on the Foothill Gold Line Construction Timelines

Damien Newton sat down with Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority CEO Habib Balian to discuss how a too-high bid will lead to a delay on Gold Line construction to Montclair

April 2, 2025

Duffy Delivers Mixed Messages on ‘Woke’ Transportation Funding Delays

The U.S. DOT secretary says he's drowning under a backlog of grants from the Biden administration — but somehow has time to scrutinize them all for a "woke" agenda.

April 2, 2025
See all posts