Santa Maria drivers should take extra precautions and be alert for pedestrians during September, designated as Pedestrian Safety Month in California.

The month also aims to have motorists assess their personal driving habits to protect people walking, jogging or biking along city streets.

Small actions like putting away distractions, yielding at crosswalks and slowing down can make a life-saving difference, according to Santa Maria Police. An increase in speed from 20 mph to 35 mph significantly raises the likelihood that a pedestrian will be killed if struck by a vehicle.

Drivers are encouraged to not exceed the speed limit, slow down at intersections and avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

Never drive impaired, and keep focused on the road by avoiding d

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