Now that the weather is warming and more and more people are out walking, pedestrian safety, particularly in designated crosswalks, is critical.
On May 2 the Decatur Police Department implemented a crosswalk education and enforcement activity between 11:25 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at four crosswalks located in the city: Church Street at E. Trinity Place, Sycamore Street at N. Candler Street, Church Street at Sycamore Street, and 300 block of Church Street.
During that time officers issued a total of 13 citations and 3 warnings – 11 of the citations were issued to drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, 1 for failure to maintain lane, and 1 for making an improper left turn. The 3 warnings were for an inoperable brake light, improperly stopping in the roadway, and stopping on a crosswalk.
Drivers stopped for pedestrian crosswalk violations received a pamphlet created by the PEDS organization and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to educate drivers about pedestrian crossing.
Remember that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks; slow down when approaching a crosswalk and watch for pedestrians; and be mindful of both pedestrians and cyclists when driving.
Decatur PD need to have education for the pedestrians that cross the road and issue citations for jay walking.
I agree there needs to be better enforcement for cars, but pedestrians have to be responsible as well. Especially when all the kids come out of Decatur High at 4:00 and cross in big groups against the light at Trinity and McDonough. It’s an every day occurrence.
Please: Also enforce the pedestrian crosswalk at W. Ponce and Commerce by the CVS… many times, I could reach out to touch the cars that pass by me while crossing with the ‘pedestrian-walk’ signal. (Jay-walking is also a problem here.) I think all of our crosswalks are confusing to drivers and pedestrians alike because of poor signage, and left-turn signals that post PRIOR to the “walk” signal.
Decatur could save a lot of money by removing the Walk/Don’t Walk signs, as extremely few pedestrians obey them. It really bothers me when parents with little kids cross against the signal.