Fresno pedestrian deaths have been on the rise as the U.S. observes National Pedestrian Safety Month in October.

The Fresno Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for people on the road.

In the United States, 7,522 people died in 2022 from traffic crashes. In California, 1,158 people were struck by cars and killed that year.

The department will hold a traffic safety operation on Saturday, Oct. 19, by keeping an eye out for the most dangerous behaviors that put pedestrians at risk. That includes speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield, and running stop signs or signals.

In a Sept. 21 operation, officers cited 165 drivers, along with 41 pedestrians and cyclists. Funding came from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

“Ensuring the safety of our community is our primary mission, with pedestrian and traffic safety a critical component of it,” said Mindy Casto, interim police chief for the department. “We take extra measures to ensure our community’s awareness of the dangers involved in inattentive driving, as well as careless pedestrian behaviors.”

Related Story: Reedley Woman Killed in Crosswalk Is Identified

Walkers at Fault in Most Pedestrian Deaths

Since January, 19 pedestrians have been killed by vehicles, according to Fresno police data. In 14 of those cases, pedestrians were found to be at fault. Twelve of the people killed were unhoused.

That rate fits in line with the four-year data from 2019 to 2022. In that time, the city averaged 26.3 pedestrian deaths a year, according to data from the Money Geek, which cited National Highway Traffic Safety Association statistics. If the rate continues, the number of 2024 deaths will be just over 25.

Fresno is coming off of a year with fewer pedestrian fatalities. In 2023, there were 22 pedestrian fatalities, according to police data. The year before, 28 people died from getting hit by a vehicle.

Failure to yield right of way was far-and-away the No. 1 reason for fatalities nationally, according to the NHTA. More than 68% of deaths could be attributed to questions of who had the right to go.

Related Story: Ex-Chili Peppers Guitarist Denies a Manslaughter Charge in the Death of a ...

Tips for Keeping Safe

Fresno police sent out reminders to keep everyone safe.

For pedestrians, police say being predictable helps drivers anticipate what you’re doing. At 30 mph, it takes a driver at least 90 feet to stop. Always use crosswalks when available.

Walkers should make a point of being visible, especially at night. Wearing light colors or reflective material can help when there is little light.

Drivers should follow speed limits and slow down at intersections. Drivers should also be prepared to stop at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers should also not block crosswalks while waiting to make a right turn.

Bicycles follow similar rules to cars. Bicyclists should use hand signals and lights at night.  They must travel in the same direction as traffic. Riders should also be wary of riding to close to parked cars as suddenly opened doors can become hazards.

Bicycles must yield to pedestrians.

The Fresno Police Department will have another pedestrian safety operation in November.