Enforcement and Pedestrian Traffic Safety Tips News Conference

March 5, 2010

WHAT:
News conference to announce LAPD traffic enforcement initiatives directed to motorist who fail to yield to pedestrians.

WHEN:
Thursday, March 11, 2010
9 a.m.

WHERE:
Southeast corner of Olympic Boulevard and Bonnie Brea Street

WHO:
Several LAPD commanding officers and traffic detectives will attend, including:
Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz, Commanding Officer, Operations-Central Bureau
Captain Steve Ruiz, Commanding Officer, Rampart Division
Captain Ronald Marbrey, Commanding Officer, Central Traffic Division
Captain Phillip Trotter, Valley Traffic Division
Captain Nancy Lauer, West Traffic Division
Captain Phil Fontanetta, South Traffic Division
Detective Josephine Mapson, Central Traffic Division
Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Detectives

WHY:
There has been an increase in pedestrian injuries and fatalities from traffic collisions in the City of Los Angeles.  In an effort to prevent injuries and save lives, four of LAPD’s traffic divisions are joining forces to bring awareness to motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious when driving or walking across the streets in our communities.  

A plain clothes officer will be crossing the street to ensure motorists yield the right of way to pedestrians.  Motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians will be cited.

Surviving family members of a toddler who was run over and killed by a hit and run driver as the child and the parents crossed an intersection on February 1, 2009 will be present.
                        
For more information, please contact Media Relations at 213-485-3586, or Detective Mapson at 213-972-1840 or Detective Bustos at 818-644-8021.