GARDEN GROVE is seeking to reduce traffic accidents involving pedestrians (Shutterstock).

Since the start of 2021, there have been 15 traffic fatalities involving distracted drivers and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Garden Grove. Six of the traffic fatalities were pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

As part of the City’s Accident Reduction campaign and National Pedestrian Safety Month in October, the Garden Grove Police Department and Garden Grove TV3 created a pedestrian safety tips 101 video in multiple languages to educate pedestrians on the importance of following traffic laws. To view the pedestrian safety 101 video in English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese, visit www.ggpd.org/arteam.

Police Chief Tom DaRé stated, “This year, Garden Grove has seen a rise in traffic collisions that tragically resulted in pedestrian fatalities. Walking while being distracted or not using crosswalks has become a serious problem and more people are getting injured or killed.”

To prevent fatalities and life-changing injuries, the Accident Reduction Team, comprised of GGPD motorcycle officers, is asking pedestrians to follow safety practices such as using crosswalks; looking both ways before crossing the street; staying alert with no distractions; and making themselves visible by wearing brightly-colored clothes or reflective materials during the evening.

For more information, visit www.ggpd.org/arteam, search for #SafeStreetsGG and #StayAlertGG on Facebook or Instagram or contact the Garden Grove Police Department Community Liaison Division at (714) 741-5760.