The City of San Luis Obispo has installed 25 pedestrian yield signs at various crosswalks throughout the city with a goal of increasing pedestrian visibility and driver awareness.
"I was looking out the window of the store here and I saw one of our regular customers get hit, so I think anything that they can do to help the situation would be good," said Fred Friedman, an employee at Boo Boo Records.
The City of San Luis Obispo wants to make streets safer, which is why the city spent close to $7,500 on installing pedestrian yield signs at crosswalks that were not operated by a traffic signal or stop sign.
According to the city's public works department, based on initial observation, they seem to be working.
"I don't know if it is a lasting behavior or just a temporary one, but people are going slower," said Ty Griffin, who lives in San Luis Obispo near two intersections where there are now signs.
Pedestrian crossing demand, collision history, proximity to schools, and community input were all factors taken into consideration when deciding where the signs would go.
"Anything that helps kids stay safe I am in favor of on the one hand. On the other hand, I wonder if all these things are needed. Has there been a problem this is solving?" Griffin asked.
While there has not been an increase in traffic-related incidents, the city says it is a preventative measure.
Already, at least one of the newly-installed signs has been broken.
The city says it is actively repairing and fixing signs throughout the city as needed.
City officials say the price tag for the pedestrian crossing signs was much less than other forms of crossing, like flashing beacons and traffic signals.
