From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

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For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: September 12, 2007

Contact:	Sergeant Mark Meister 541-265-4277 x4937 mmeister@co.lincoln.or.us
Incident:	Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation
Date Occurred:	September 10, 2007
Time Occurred:	Approximately 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location:	Hwy 34, Waldport

Summary:

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by a Toledo Police Department reserve officer and a Sheriff's Office reserve deputy, successfully completed a Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Highway 34 in Waldport on September 10th, 2007. The local enforcement effort was funded by a traffic safety grant from The Bicycle Transportation Alliance and Willamette Pedestrian Coalition. The purpose of the operation was to raise driver and public awareness regarding pedestrian safety. The operation involved the use of a decoy pedestrian crossing in the marked crosswalk at the Highway 34/Bay Street school zone. Traffic cones were deployed on the highway indicating where the operation began and ended for motorists traveling both directions through the operation. The operation lasted 4 hours.

Deputies issued 18 citations to motorists who failed to stop for the pedestrian. There were 6 citations issued to motorists for other traffic violations and one vehicle was impounded. 17 motorists were issued warnings. 204 motorists correctly stopped for the pedestrian resulting in a compliance rate of 83%.

Deputies involved in the operation received several “thumbs up” gestures from passing motorists while some others offered a verbal thank you for conducting the operation. Pedestrians passing by also offered support. Some of the citations issued to motorists were generated as a result of motorists failing to stop for pedestrians crossing the marked crosswalk who were not a part of the operation. A motorist failed to stop for a pedestrian who was pushing a baby carriage with her young child inside, which was one of the total 18 citations issued.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has exhausted the grant funds for the Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations for 2007. Sheriff Dotson stated, "Many thanks to the communities, the motorists, and the pedestrians who supported and assisted in the pedestrian grant operations. It is rewarding to see that pedestrian safety is truly a team effort and that so many are willing to contribute to the benefit and welfare of our community. While it is uncertain at this time if the grant funds will be available for Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations for 2008, your Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will apply for the grant if it is available in 2008."

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