Is Sonoma County a safe walking area?

Mission Blvd. cross walk (The Puma Prensa / Nora Sitton)

By Nora Sitton, Staff Writer

Have you ever been out walking or biking in Sonoma County, and had a dangerous encounter with an irresponsible driver, crosswalk, or bike lane? It is likely the majority of residents can say yes to this question, but they shouldn’t have to. Every individual should be able to feel a sense of safety and comfort while on the go, especially within the limits of their own city. 

The amount of incidents that have occurred near Sonoma County homes is unfathomable. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2023 a total of 516 car accidents were reported, and in 2019 alone, the total number of injuries and fatalities from car crashes added up to 959, 104 of which had alcohol involved. Although the amount of accidents has decreased significantly over the past few years, work still needs to be done to keep the number down because the conclusion of accidents still remains the same: multiple injuries and fatalities.  

Attached to each of these lives were those who mourned the losses of their family, friends, or other loved ones. As for the lives that were not lost, many injuries can be long lasting, permanent, and very impactful on individuals lives. Alick Khapenkof, Santa Rosa resident, who was recently hit by a car while on his bicycle, expressed that “[my accident impacted] me quite a bit. I have a brace around my neck…Just the mental aspect of recovery is also tough, and thinking how long it will take or if I will ever be fully recovered, because there will be some permanent scarring, and possibly some permanent nerve damage.”  

Some people may conclude that creating more laws or policies to increase driving safety is unnecessary because of programs like Vision Zero and the Local Road Safety Plan that use specific strategies to avoid traffic deaths and injuries. While these programs are extremely necessary and helpful, they do not answer the inquiry: how do we get people to follow road safety guidelines in Santa Rosa? 

There are many possibilities and various answers to this question, but we also want to find a solution that is favorable to drivers in Sonoma County. For one, it is very important to educate new drivers and teenagers on how to be safe drivers, whether it comes from an adult in their life or a driving instructor themselves. Many individuals do not consider what is at stake while driving and the consequences of their actions. Everyone, new or experienced, should learn to be a defensive driver, and to be aware of their surroundings. 

But are driver's education lessons leading up to getting your license really teaching this? Many teenagers feel they are disengaged, bored, and restless during their lessons. Driver’s Education doesn’t need to be teaching “the history of the automobile” over important skills like vehicle control and situational awareness that will need to be used in the real world in order to be a safe driver. 

It is safe to say that some drivers are purely careless, and educating them may not have a large impact when it comes to amending their behavior, which is why there should be stricter laws backing speeding and DUI’s, or more put in place to prevent potential accidents. When asked how roads could be safer, Khapenkof said “some roads could be a bit bigger, have bigger bike paths maybe, or just overall more space for cars to pass by.” The idea for larger bike lanes so cars have more room to pass would help avoid many difficult situations. Another plan would be to accentuate cross walks by adding a traffic island in the middle of opposing traffic lanes. Another possibility is making crosswalks bigger and brighter, in order for drivers to see them better, and allow for pedestrians to cross as safely as possible. 

It isn’t solely the responsibility of drivers or the city board to keep people safe, but pedestrians themselves. Individuals walking and biking need to be just as perceptive of their surroundings as those in vehicles. They can also take extra precautions by wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially at night, and adhering reflectors to their bikes. 

Each and every person in Sonoma County should be able to feel secure in their car, while riding their bike, or walking on the sidewalk. But to accomplish this, everyone needs to care enough and put in effort so others can continue to feel safe. Consider the tips given to you, and think about how you can prevent danger. We should all consider how to be better drivers and contributors to the community in order to keep ourselves and others safe.