Fullerton : Police Target Seniors in Pedestrian Safety Project

Alarmed at the increasing number of senior citizens injured in pedestrian-car accidents, Fullerton police are shifting the emphasis of their pedestrian safety program to focus on older residents.

Of the 15 pedestrians injured in Fullerton this year through March, 12 were senior citizens, said Sgt. Bud Lathrop. Of the 4 pedestrian-related deaths, 3 were older residents, he said. In comparison, 8 of the 59 injuries and 2 of the 3 pedestrian-car deaths recorded for all of 1984 were those of senior citizens.

Fullerton police recommend that senior citizens wear light-colored clothing when walking at night, attempt to cross only at well-lighted intersections with traffic signals and try to walk with another person. Senior citizens should be alert to their own infirmities, such as failing eyesight or hearing, Lathrop said.

Traditionally, children have been considered the most likely to be injured in a pedestrian accident. Since Fullerton began its pedestrian safety program in 1983, focusing on children, the city has not had a child pedestrian fatality. Statewide, children account for 20% of pedestrian deaths.

Police are offering free lectures on pedestrian safety to any senior citizen group that schedules an appointment. For more information, call 738-6810.