Crosswalk/Pedestrian Safety Blitz - September 13, 2019

SWEET HOME, Ore. — The Sweet Home Police Department will be conducting a Crosswalk/Pedestrian Safety Blitz on Friday, September 13, 2019. This operation will be held on Hwy 20 at 22^nd Avenue in Sweet Home. Officers will be located at this intersection to monitor, inform, and educate the public on crosswalk safety. The blitz will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

The primary focus of this operation is to raise crosswalk and pedestrian safety awareness. The Sweet Home Police Department hopes to raise the attention of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of the pedestrian right away laws. The Department reminds drivers to be cautious when approaching crosswalks. Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians who are waiting to cross or are crossing the roadway, ORS 811.028. A pedestrian is crossing the roadway in a crosswalk when any part or extension of the pedestrian, including but not limited to any part of the pedestrian’s body, wheelchair, cane, crutch or bicycle, moves onto the roadway in a crosswalk with the intent to proceed.

Sweet Home Police Department offers tips for pedestrians and drivers to improve the community’s ability to arrive at their respective destinations safely.

Pedestrians

• Be obvious and predictable, crossing at crosswalks or intersections only, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk. 
• Make eye contact with drivers; never assume a driver sees you.
• Look left-right-left before you step into the crosswalk: having a green light or the “WALK” signal does not mean it is safe to cross.
• Look for cars backing up, including white backup lights or signs the vehicle is running. Don’t dart out between parked cars.
• Avoid distractions. Don’t walk and use your phone at the same time.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.

Drivers

• Be alert for pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks, where they have the right of way. 
• Watch out around restaurants and bars for people with slower reaction times or impaired judgment
• Never drive distracted. Keep your eyes off your phone, and be on the lookout for walkers who may be distracted.
• Use extra caution when backing up. Look for bicyclists or pedestrians who may be approaching.
• Be patient and courteous. Wait for pedestrians to cross the street or intersection before proceeding.

The members of the Sweet Home Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of both citizens and guests of the city. Funding for the crosswalk/pedestrian safety blitz is made possible through a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation.