Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety and Enforcement Operation In the San Fernando Valley NA13014SF

WHAT:   
Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety and Enforcement Operation

WHEN:   
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:   
Vanowen Street and Sunnyslope Avenue in the city of Van Nuys

WHY:   
In an effort to increase pedestrian safety in 2013 the Los Angeles Police Department and the officers of Valley Traffic Division will aggressively enforce pedestrian safety laws.  These laws apply to both vehicles and pedestrians that disregard the California Vehicle Code.  In 2012, twenty-nine pedestrians were involved in fatal traffic collisions in the San Fernando Valley which accounted for nearly half of all the fatal traffic collisions locally.  

Valley Traffic Division officers will use a plainclothes officer to cross the street and monitor whether vehicles slow down and yield the right of way to the pedestrian.  Officers will also monitor high volume intersections in the area for vehicles not yielding to pedestrians as well as pedestrians not crossing legally or in an unsafe manner.

The Los Angeles Police Department wants to remind motorists and pedestrians to be cautious when walking or driving on the streets at all times.  Valley Traffic Division would like to remind the citizens of the San Fernando Valley of a few traffic safety tips:
        
PEDESTRIANS

Obey traffic signals such as “Walk/Don’t Walk” signs.
Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections if available.
Watch for turning vehicles and make sure the driver sees you before stepping out in front of a vehicle.
Just because one vehicle stops, do not assume other drivers will stop; visually clear each lane before you proceed.
Wear bright/light colored clothing and walk in well-lit areas at night.
Be alert to the traffic – constantly look both ways as you cross the street.

DRIVERS

Scan the road ahead for pedestrians.
Do not drive distracted.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks whether marked or unmarked.
Watch for pedestrians stepping off the curb when making right or left turns.
Obey the speed limits and slow down.

CONTACT:   
For more information, please contact Sergeant Stephen Egan, Valley Traffic Division, Community Traffic Services Unit at (818) 644-8146.