(Photo © J. Maus)
What would happen if police officers in a suburban city went out and did a crosswalk law enforcement action (a.k.a. sting) at a busy intersection? Well, the Beaverton Police Department found out last Wednesday. Beaverton PD officers spent five hours, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, on two “crosswalk details.”
The result? 55 citations and nine warnings. Check the full press release from the Beaverton PD below (emphasis mine).
On November 3, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Beaverton Police Department’s Traffic Team conducted two crosswalk details. The details were conducted at the intersections of S.W. 12th Street and S.W. Hall Boulevard (map) and S.W. 4th Street and S.W. Watson Avenue (map). Officers were looking for vehicles that did not stop and remain stopped for pedestrians while they were using the crosswalk, according to ORS 811.028.
In total 55 citations were written and 9 warnings given during a 5 hour detail; 43 citations were written for ORS 811.028 violations, 12 citations were written for speed limit violations, driving while suspended or uninsured, or using a cell phone while driving.
ORS 811.028 is a B Violation and could cost you up to $382. A violation occurs when a driver does not stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian when they are proceeding in accordance to a traffic control device or in the lane or adjacent lane in which the driver’s vehicle is traveling or turning.
Too often drivers don’t watch for pedestrians crossing or attempting to cross the street in a properly designated crosswalk. They may also become impatient and not remain stopped until the pedestrian has reached the sidewalk before continuing their drive. While pedestrians indeed have laws to follow too, drivers must remain diligent in their efforts to notice and allow a pedestrian safe passage.
Does anyone have more background and insights into the intersections they chose?
The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation also has an active crosswalk enforcement partnership with our Police Bureau. So far in 2010, they’ve carried out eight enforcement actions and have written 60 citations and 48 warnings.