Pedestrian Sting Operation

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE

On Wednesday, November 3, 1999, from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., police officers from the Valley Traffic Division, Los Angeles Police Department, will conduct a "Pedestrian Sting" operation at the intersection of Saticoy and Cozycroft in the West Valley Area.

Note: At the request of the Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division, please do not print or broadcast the location until after 9:30 a.m. on November 3, 1999. Media representatives are encouraged to video or photograph the operations. Captain Meyer will be available for interviews between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at the scene.

This operation will target motorists who commit Vehicle Code violations that result in unsafe conditions for pedestrians attempting to lawfully crossing the street.

"We are very concerned about pedestrian safety." Said Captain Greg Meyer, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division, which provides traffic safety education and enforcement service, as well as collision investigation services, throughout the 220-square-mile San Fernando Valley. "It has long been our experience, statistically speaking, that motorists and pedestrians share the blame for deaths and injuries involving pedestrians on our streets. Today we are targeting motorists who dangerously violate the right-of-way of pedestrians crossing the street, and especially motorists who do not stop for the pedestrian when the cars in the adjacent lane have stopped. Our mission is to reduce deaths and injuries, and we are seeing a rash of pedestrian-related tragedies in the Valley. Speeding in the Valley is a huge problem. The streets are wide, and many people seem to be in a big hurry. This results in very unsafe conditions for our children and for the adults who walk to and from school or shopping in their own neighborhoods. Your police officers and your paramedics know from daily tragic experience what are the real costs of speeding in the Valley and failing to respect the safety of all persons using the roadway. Including pedestrians."

For further information please contact Captain Greg Meyer, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division at (818) 756-8722.

For Release 10:15 am PST
November 3, 1999