Initiatives to Keep Drivers and Pedestrians Safe
Harmful emissions from cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are extremely damaging to the environment. The climate crisis is intensifying every year, and it is important that cities and states do all that is possible to protect the environment from pollution. San Diego is one of the cities taking steps to help the environment by trying to limit peoples’ use of motor vehicles. Not only will reducing the number of motor vehicles help the environment, it may also help keep people on the road safe.
Creating a Plan
The first thing that needs to happen for San Diego to fulfill their goal requires the mayor and San Diego officials to create a solid plan. They need to establish what the vision is and exactly how the city will become greener and increase the safety of people on the road. The mayor previously promised that by 2016, he would have a plan for developing transportation, but the public has not yet seen anything of the sort. Experts estimate that the plan needs to be complete by 2019 if the city is going to achieve the complete goal by 2035.
Changing Transportation Patterns
Changing transportation in any way is dangerous for the city. People will be more confused about the roads and more likely to make a mistake that could cause an accident. Traffic accidents leave pedestrians and bicyclists in the city especially vulnerable. The San Diego government promised to invest money in improving the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, but the city has not done anything substantial yet. Many people believe the mayor’s office needs to create a mobility department that can focus solely on safely and efficiently changing the transportation patterns.
The Mayor Needs to Get Active on a Regional Level
Many San Diego residents believe the mayor should become more active in regional transportation efforts. They want the mayor to push the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to adopt a regional plan that would support the city’s transportation vision.
Keeping Yourself and Others Safe in the Meantime
Until San Diego government can sort out how to take on the transportation changes, it is important that drivers and pedestrians continue to focus on keeping themselves safe. Pedestrians should make an effort to always be clearly visible to motorists to reduce the risk of an accident. Wear bright clothing at night or carry a flashlight. No matter where you are walking, stay off your phone. You need to remain aware of everything going on around you in case you need to get out of the way. When you are at crosswalks, take time to look both ways. Do not assume a car will stop for you. Try to make eye contact with the driver to ensure he or she knows you are there and will stop.
As a motorist, one small mistake could be fatal for other drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians. It is important that you follow all traffic laws. When you are coming up on a stop sign, make a complete stop. If there is a pedestrian crossing in front of you, wait until he or she is safely out of the way before you continue driving. As with pedestrians, you should never be on your phone while you are driving. Looking down to read a text takes your eyes away from the road for enough time to cause a serious accident. Distractions such as typing on the GPS, putting on makeup, or changing the music can also be dangerous. Never drive after you have been drinking. Impaired drivers are exponentially more likely to ignore traffic laws and drive negligently, endangering everyone else on the road.