Speeding on residential streets is the most common complaint made to the Sacramento County Department of Transportation, Traffic Engineering Section. The average motorist in Sacramento County drives faster than they should. Radar speed studies have shown that the majority of motorists drive over the speed limit on residential streets. Everyone can do their part to make neighborhood streets safer. By following the simple guidelines below the life you save may be someone's child.
Making neighborhood streets safer as a Driver.
- Drive slower-Unless otherwise posted the maximum speed limit on residential streets is 25 mph.
- Change your driving behavior and habits on residential streets-you may be driving faster than you think. Drive 25 mph to give yourself time to react.
- Don't Rush!
- Avoid using neighborhood streets as short cuts-this disrupts the quality of life in neighborhoods, increases noise and pollution, and results in a greater threat to the safety of children.
Making neighborhood streets safer as a Pedestrian.
- Never cross a street between parked vehicles or other visibility obstructions.
- When possible, cross at intersections and crosswalks for higher visibility.
- Look in all directions for vehicles before crossing, particularly for turning vehicles.
- DO NOT ASSUME THAT DRIVERS CAN SEE YOU.
NOTE: In some neighborhoods, sidewalks were not constructed. If this is the case, pedestrians should try to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic, to see oncoming vehicles.
Making neighborhood streets safer as a Bicyclist.
- Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet that complies with current safety standards.
- Ride in the same direction as other traffic, as close to the right edge of the roadway as practical.
- Slow down and yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, or when riding on or across sidewalks.
- Follow traffic rules and obey all traffic signs, signals and roadway markings.
Making neighborhood streets safer for your Children.
- Make sure your children know the rules of the road; lead by example.
- Do not let your children play in the street.
- Teach your children to stop, look in all directions, and listen before crossing streets.
- Make sure your children know that even though cars are supposed to stop, they may not.
Making neighborhood streets safer by driving less.
- Share the Road-Bicyclists and pedestrians have as much right to the right-of-way as motorized vehicles.
- Link Your Trips-Combine several errands into one trip. Not only are there more vehicles on the road, each vehicle is being driven more miles.
- Curb your Car-Walk, bike, or bus. The best way to keep California safe for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users is to become one yourself. Curb your car. It's an easy way to keep California livable.
FYI
California law states that children must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds.
Additional Information
Call 311 or 875-4311 or send an email to sacco311@custhelp.com.
