Tuesday is “Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Day” in the city of Davis, with the Police Department dedicating additional patrols from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enforce pedestrian traffic laws and provide information to pedestrians on how to avoid vehicle and bicycle collisions.

Over the past year, 16 vehicle collisions occurred in Davis where pedestrians were injured; two pedestrians lost their lives, Lt. Paul Doroshov said.

“We consider even one preventable death as one too many,” Doroshov said in a news release. “While the California Vehicle Code favors the right of way of pedestrians, it does not alleviate a pedestrian’s responsibility from entering a roadway only when it is safe to do so.”

Pedestrians are asked to take the following precautions:

* Look both ways before entering a roadway, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

* Obey traffic signals such as traffic lights and pedestrian crossing controls.

* Even when cars must legally yield the right of way, do not assume they will. Make eye contact with drivers to confirm they are aware of your presence.

Doroshov also noted an increase in pedestrians who are getting hurt because they are distracted by personal electronic devices.

“Stop in a safe place to read and reply to your texts,” he said. Police also suggest that pedestrians refrain from covering both ears when walking or jogging in areas where they may encounter traffic.

“Our aim is to make this academic year productive, enjoyable, and safe,” Doroshov said. “We ask that pedestrians stay alert, aware, and careful. Through education and enforcement, we hope to avoid the tragedies of last year.”

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