KING CITY — King City Police Department conducted a Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Thursday at various intersections throughout the city in recognition of September as Pedestrian Safety Month.
During the Sept. 22 operation, KCPD deployed a pedestrian decoy 144 times crossing the street. On 24, or 17%, of these occasions, drivers failed to yield for the pedestrian crossing the street within a marked crosswalk. Of the 24 people who failed to yield to the pedestrian with the right of way, 14 drivers were issued citations.
In addition, one other driver was pulled over and issued a citation for failing to stop for a red light. Of the 15 drivers who received citations, two drivers were driving on suspended licenses and received misdemeanor citations.
“These types of operations are about saving lives and preventing injuries,” according to King City Police Sgt. Anthony Shaw in a news release. “The goal of these operations is to make the roadways safer for pedestrians.”
King City Police Department offers the following safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:
Drivers
- Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
- Never drive impaired.
Pedestrians
- Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
- Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
- Make it easier for drivers to see you at night — wear light colors, reflective material and use a flashlight.
- Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
