(Independence, Oregon) — The Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation which had been scheduled for July 10, 2024 was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. However, it has now been rescheduled to this upcoming Wednesday July 24, 2024. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety in the City of Independence, the Independence Police Department will be conducting a six (6) hour long pedestrian safety enforcement operation that will focus on motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Regrettably, in 2023 according to the Governors Highway Safety Association U.S drivers killed 3,373 pedestrians in the first half of 2023 (January – June). The Independence Police Department is committed to preventing these tragic deaths and is leading the effort with proactive enforcement and education programs.
The Department is conducting this public awareness and enforcement program to educate and encourage members of the community to develop and maintain safe practices while driving, walking, and cycling throughout the City of Independence. The six (6) hour long operation will take place at crosswalks on Monmouth Street and Main Street within the City of Independence.
Officers from the Independence Police Department will be conducting the enforcement operation at heavily traveled crosswalks. A pedestrian involved in the operation will cross the street while uniformed officers monitor the crosswalk for motorists and pedestrians who fail to yield the right-of-way or who take unsafe and illegal actions. Drivers and pedestrians stopped during this safety operation will be issued warnings or citations.
Crosswalk enforcement actions are an effective way to communicate pedestrian right-of-way laws to both drivers and pedestrians. The transportation and police departments take enforcement action in response to community requests and to educate the general public on the rules at marked and unmarked crossings. They are conducted at random times throughout the year.
