Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety and Enforcement Operation NA17041dm

WHAT: Traffic Enforcement

WHEN: Thursday, March 09, 2017 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: Woodley Avenue and Gault Street (at the intersection crosswalk)

WHO: LAPD Deputy Chief Bob Green, Operations-Valley Bureau LAPD Commander Kris Pitcher, Operations-Valley Bureau LAPD Captain Beverly Lewis, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division Brian Gallagher, Senior Transportation Engineer, Valley District Valley Traffic Division Motorcycle Officers

WHY: In an effort to increase pedestrian safety in 2017, 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 2016, thirty-three pedestrians were involved in fatal traffic collisions in the San Fernando Valley and in the first two months of 2017 there have already been eleven pedestrian fatalities in the Valley. This is an increase of 450% year to date over last year in the first two months!

Deputy Chief Bob Green, the Commanding Officer of Operations-Valley Bureau, will be in plainclothes, crossing the street, monitoring 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. * Don’t text while crossing the street. Keep your head up. * 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 lighted areas at night. * Be alert to the traffic – constantly look both ways as you cross the street.

DRIVERS * Slow down and 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Sergeant Stephen Egan, Valley Traffic Division, Community Traffic Services Unit at 818-644-8146.