Glendale, CA – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Glendale Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

In California alone, 1,090 people were struck and killed while walking in 2024, which accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities.

“Everyone, regardless of how they travel, deserves to arrive at their destination safely," Lieutenant Pete Robinson said. "Drivers play a critical role in keeping people walking safe. By staying focused and slowing down, especially in areas where there are more people walking, we can help prevent crashes and put safety first on every trip.”

Pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers. It’s important to slow down and follow the speed limit while driving. Speed increases increase the severity and impact to someone walking and hit in a crash.

The Glendale Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips when behind the wheel or walking:

Drivers

• Know and follow the speed limit.
• Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for people walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Never drive impaired.
• Avoid distractions such as using a mobile device, deep conversations with passengers or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
• Be extra cautious at night or when driving conditions are less than optimal such as in rainy or foggy weather.

Pedestrians

• When available, use marked crosswalks at signals where drivers anticipate foot traffic.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Be visible at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material or using a flashlight.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on the phone while crossing the street.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

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About the Glendale Police Department

Established in 1906, the Glendale Police Department is a full-service police department with approximately 450 total staff members, including nearly 300 sworn police officers. The Glendale Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety services through proactive policing, professionalism, and community partnerships.

Assignments include Patrol, Traffic, Investigations Bureau, Narcotics, SWAT, Motorcycles, K-9, School Resource Officer, Custody, Dispatch, and Air Support. Police Department responsibilities include 9-1-1 emergency response, proactive law enforcement, traffic enforcement and collision investigation, crime investigation and case preparation, community and school policing, and administration of the city jail facility.

For more information, visit GlendaleCA.gov/Police or follow @GlendalePoliceDept on Instagram and @GlendalePD on Facebook and X.

Media Contact: Sgt. Pobokhian | Office: 818-937-8888 | Email: GPDPIO@GlendaleCA.gov

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About Glendale

Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.