Who:
Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the Mid-Valley Police Council, the Valley Traffic Advisory Board, the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division, and local merchants

What:
Press Conference on New Traffic Enforcement Program Aimed at Reducing the Number of Pedestrian Fatalities

Where:
The Corner of Ventura Boulevard and Cedros Avenue

When:
Wednesday, December 12, 2001, 10:00 a.m.

San Fernando Valley: Approximately 6,000 pedestrians die each year in the United States as a result of traffic collisions, and more than 110,000 pedestrians are injured by automobiles each year.

In the year 1998, in the San Fernando Valley, 17 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic collisions. In the year 2001, thus far, 37 pedestrians have lost their lives as a result of traffic collisions.

Many residents in the San Fernando Valley utilize public transportation. It has been our experience that when pedestrians are late, they disregard and violate traffic laws in an effort to meet their buses. Other pedestrians attempt to "take short cuts" and "jaywalk" when crossing the street. Regrettably, these violations have caused numerous pedestrians to be seriously injured or killed.

The Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the Mid-Valley Police Council, the Valley Traffic Advisory Board, the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division, and local merchants in this community are joining efforts to curtail the number of pedestrians involved in traffic collisions. We are reminding pedestrians of their responsibilities when crossing the streets, by posting signs on the front doors of participating local business.

We want our community to have a safe holiday season.

For further information, contact Sergeant D. Turner from the Valley Traffic Division, at 818-902-0336 during business hours.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.