Police Issue 130 Citations During Capitol Mall Crosswalk Safety Campaign

Officers involved in the saturation stopped motorists for numerous violations regarding pedestrian safety, such as crosswalk violations and speed violations.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Last week, the Oregon State Police, in cooperation with the Salem Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office, conducted a crosswalk enforcement saturation for pedestrian safety in and around the Oregon Capitol Building.

Over 130 warnings and citations for multiple violations were issued.

"Pedestrians are reminded to adhere to the pedestrian laws which they are required to use due care and yield to vehicles when moving from curb or other place where it constitutes an immediate hazard.

Oregon law requires drivers to stop and stay stopped until a pedestrian at a crosswalk has crossed not only the driver's lane but also the adjacent lane before the driver may proceed.

However, when the driver is turning at an intersection that has a traffic signal, drivers may proceed when a crossing pedestrian has walked at least six feet into the adjacent lane. That's slightly more than the width of a typical car.

Under Oregon law, a crosswalk exists at every intersection –even if it is not marked on the pavement – unless a sign indicates that a particular crosswalk is closed.

Also, a mid-block crosswalk exists at any marked crossing between intersections.

Drivers need to watch out for pedestrians even outside crosswalks.

"The goal was to educate the public regarding Oregon pedestrian right-of-way laws and provide efforts to increase driver and pedestrian awareness of safety issues, particularly being seen in low-light conditions and high traffic areas," said Oregon State Police Sergeant Scott Lorimor of the Capitol Mall Area Command office.