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.
