The Mercer Island Police Department is taking extra steps to protect pedestrians after two more individuals were struck in crosswalks by cars last week.

The department announced Dec. 27 that they are handing out 250 reflective flashing lights for pedestrian use. They also issued 35 citations to motorists during a special pedestrian safety enforcement conducted in the week before Christmas.

“Please keep an eye out for each other and be safe,” Police Commander Leslie Burns wrote on Facebook.

Over the last month, eight individuals have been struck by cars while walking around the Island. Though some required hospitalization, none of the victims have suffered any long-lasting injuries.

Officers contacted more than 60 motorists between Dec. 19 and 26 and issued citations for failure to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk, stop at a stop sign, yield at an intersection and the use of a cell phone while driving.

But during that time period, two citizens were hit by cars. Six other individuals were struck and injured in separate motor vehicle accidents on Nov. 30.

Two pedestrians in their 70s were struck by a car at the intersection of 78th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 32nd Street. The driver reportedly did not see the pair crossing the street around 4:30 p.m. that day as they were wearing dark clothing, according to police.

A 2-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl were thrown from their stroller after they and their father were hit by a car in the intersection of Southeast 28th Street and 80th Avenue Southeast. The children suffered minor abrasions to their faces and upper bodies, but did not require hospitalization.

A fourth person was hit by a car Nov. 30 in the 3200 block of Island Crest Way, but was not seriously injured.

The police commander pointed to poor visibility and the victim’s dark clothing — which were factors in a couple of the accidents — as problems both drivers and walkers should be aware of.

“Please take extra precautions when driving in areas where crosswalks are located. Slow down, expect to see pedestrians, look and then look again. Pedestrians, make yourselves as visible as possible, wear flashing lights, wave your arms and make eye contact with drivers if possible. If drivers drive defensively and walkers walk defensively, we shouldn’t have anymore collisions,” Burns wrote.

Police will be continuing their pedestrian safety emphasis into the new year.