What can you do to make the streets safer?

As A Driver...

Know and obey the speed limits.

The most common concern expressed to the City is about speeding traffic in residential neighborhoods. Speeding traffic is a concern to all of us.

The California Vehicle Code sets the prima facie speed limit in residential districts at 25 mph. Prima facie limits are considered by law to be safe and prudent under normal conditions. This lower speed limit allows for a greater reaction time and shorter necessary stopping distance to avoid a hazard in the roadway. A residential district is determined by the width of the roadway and the density of adjacent residential development.

Some residential streets may have a speed limit greater than the 25 mph prima facie speed limit because of the functional use of the street, the adjacent land use, the width of the street or a previously set speed limit based on a radar survey.

Watch for and yield to pedestrians in the roadway
Pedestrians are commonly present in residential neighborhoods. A pedestrian has the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks at an intersection as long as they have used due care for their safety.

Plan your trips
Combine your trips into a single trip with several destinations to reduce congestion and the urge to drive fast.

As A Parent...

Set a good example for your children
Children often learn by watching and imitating their parents. Your actions as a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist should always set a good example.

Do not encourage your children to play in the street
Instead, encourage them to use their own yard, a neighbors yard, or a nearby park.

Instruct children in the proper way to cross the street.
Teach your children this simple rhyme:

1. Stop, look and listen.
2. Before you cross the street.    
3. Use your eyes.
4. Use your ears.
5. And then use your feet.

Tell children not to dawdle, but to cross quickly when safe to do so, and to continue watching for traffic until they are safely on the curb at the other side.

Teach your children the safest route to school
The City has prepared suggested route to school maps that indicate the best routes for your children to take. These routes take advantage of signalized crossings and adult crossing guards. Copies of the routes can be obtained from the School District or by visiting the Suggested Routes to School Page.

As A Resident...

Get involved
Be aware of road conditions, traffic patterns and alternate routes to your destination. Be aware of the rules of the road as a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist.

Talk with your neighbors about traffic safety. Be aware of existing conditions and notify the City when situations seem to create a problem. Think about ways in which these situations might be changed prior to contacting the City.
Report damaged, faded or missing traffic signs and help maintain good visibility by trimming landscaping. Especially important is sight distance at intersection corner lots.

Traffic Signs
The City installs traffic signs to regulate parking and speeds and to warn of traffic hazards. Residents can request that warning or regulatory signs be placed at appropriate locations to warn of hazards or regulate parking.

Street Lighting
To increase the visibility of pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, the City installs street lighting in residential neighborhoods. This higher visibility generally leads to a reduction in collisions. The installation of street lighting has also shown to reduce neighborhood crime.

Phone: 757-5686
E-mail: pwweb@cityofdavis.org
Letter: City Electrician, City of Davis, 23 Russell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616

Maintain The Roadway System
Report damaged sidewalk or streets, as well as missing or old signs. The City has maintenance crews that will repair damages to the infrastructure.

Police Enforcement
In working with City staff, the Police Department will target specific areas for increased enforcement for a short period of time. Use of this targeted enforcement during appropriate times of the day has demonstrated a reduction in traffic violations as well as a greater awareness of driving habits.

In conjunction with the radar trailer use on residential streets, the Police Department can follow up with increased enforcement.