From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: September 6, 2007

Summary:

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a grant by The Bicycle Transportation Alliance and Willamette Pedestrian Coalition to conduct pedestrian safety enforcement operations. The purpose of the operations is to raise driver and public awareness regarding pedestrian safety. An enforcment operation will be carried out on Highway 34 in Wadlport on September 10th, 2007 between the hours of 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The operation will involve the use of a decoy pedestrian. Deputies will be issuing citations to motorists who fail to stop for the pedestrian. Educational brochures will also be distributed to motorists.

Motorists are cautioned to be alert of the right of way laws concerning pedestrians. Motorists must be aware that crosswalks exist at any public street intersection, whether marked with paint or unmarked and under Oregon laws, a driver has specific duties to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. When turning at a traffic signal, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane into which the vehicle is turning and at least 6 feet of the next lane. At any other crosswalks drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane in which the vehicle is traveling and the next lane.

Motorists need to remember to allow for ample time and distance in order to stop safely when approaching a crosswalk. Pedestrians must also exercise due caution when stepping into a crosswalk.

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