Police Cite 17 Drivers During Crosswalk Enforcement

REDLANDS >> Redlands Police cited 17 drivers during two recent crosswalk safety enforcement details in the downtown business district. Between 7 a.m. and noon Aug. 12, officers cited 10 drivers for failure to yield to a pedestrian within a crosswalk. On Aug. 15, between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., officers cited another seven drivers. Both operations concentrated on the downtown business district, primarily Redlands Boulevard and Orange Street. No violations by pedestrians or cyclists were observed during either of the enforcement operations. Police plan another enforcement operation before the end of August. Funding for the enforcement efforts came from a $153,604 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, accepted by the city council in September 2015. The grant covers traffic safety, enforcement and education activities. Pedestrian and bicycle safety details are conducted to enforce traffic laws and remind drivers that under the California Vehicle Code pedestrians have the right of way at all marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers are reminded to observe speed limits, exercise caution and reduce their speed in order to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Drivers may also be cited for passing a vehicle that has stopped to allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians are also reminded to exercise caution at all times and especially when crossing the street. Always check for oncoming traffic. Be sure not to make sudden moves into a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, and be sure that drivers can see you. When possible, cross at a signalized intersection and be sure to follow all traffic directions and signals. Pedestrians may be cited when they fail to exercise appropriate caution, deliberately delay traffic or cross outside a marked crosswalk between adjacent signalized intersections. “We all have a responsibility for the safety of ourselves and others when we share the road,” Police Chief Mark Garcia said. “Whether you are a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian, remaining alert, exercising caution and obeying all traffic laws is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety.” Anyone with information regarding crime or suspicious activity is asked to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at 909-798-7681 ext. 1. Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system at cityofredlands.org/police/report. Suspicious activity and tips can be reported using the Redlands Police Department mobile app available for android, iPhones and iPads. Select “anonymous” on the “Tip” tab of the app.