The City of Yuma is beginning to plan a pedestrian safety campaign in light of recent injuries and fatalities involving cars versus pedestrians.

Around the nation, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Locally, the City of Yuma has seen its share of pedestrian versus vehicle fatalities and injuries.

"It's unfortunate, because most of the time, these situations are 100 percent preventable," said Martha Guzman, City of Yuma public affairs coordinator.

Most recently, last Monday, an 80-year-old man was killed while crossing the street at 24th St. and 4th Ave.

This and other recent accidents involving pedestrians and cars, have the City of Yuma urging both drivers and pedestrians to be more careful and practice simple and basic safety rules.

"The Yuma Police Department, the fire department, and administration here at the City--we started engaging in conversation: What can we do to create awareness and create a pedestrian safety campaign?"

Here are some basic safety rules that we all know, but are worth re-iterating: If you are walking late at night, wear reflective gear, or avoid wearing dark clothing. Walk on sidewalks if possible.

For drivers, be aware of your surroundings, and make eye contact with pedestrians before making turns. If it is dark out, slow down while driving.