North County Fire warns drivers, pedestrians to exercise caution

The North County Fire Protection District is warning residents of the Fallbrook, Bonsall and Rainbow areas to exercise extra caution while out and about on foot and to watch for pedestrians while driving after two back-to-back accidents.

Two crashes involving pedestrians occurred on South Mission Road in Fallbrook in recent weeks, and with many people out walking amid pandemic-related stay-at-home orders, North County Fire Capt. John Choi said the fire district wanted to get ahead of the problem by getting the word out to the public.

“What we don’t want to do is start making the issue when we have four or five,” he said. “Simple messages like that could possibly save the life of a kid.”

In a Facebook post April 28, North County Fire offered safety tips to pedestrians including to avoid being distracted by using phones or other electronics while walking, make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets and wear reflective clothing at night. The fire district also warned drivers to pay more attention.

“The amount of people using local streets for exercise has, without a doubt, increased since the closures of parks and recreation areas,” the fire district said. “We have seen an increase in accidents where a pedestrian/bicyclist is hit by a motorist. Please use caution as you drive around town and be on the lookout for kids crossing driveways.”

Will Fritz can be reached by email at [email protected].