From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Jun 26, 2008

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. The first operation will be carried out on Highway 101 in Yachats on July 16, 2008 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. Other operations are planned for August in Yachats and September in Waldport. Media releases will be made prior to each operation.

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.

Sheriff Dennis Dotson stated, "When motorists and pedestrians work together to be vigilant of one another, everyone wins."

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