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Long
Beach police move to protect pedestrians
By Maritza Diaz
Summer On-line Forty-Niner
In an effort to
lower pedestrian related traffic accidents, the Long Beach
Police Department’s Traffic Section conducts pedestrian safety
operations, which target not only motorist but pedestrians
and bicyclist as well.
For the month of June, the department focused on citing pedestrians
and bicyclists that fail to obey traffic laws.
“One month we target pedestrians, the next month we target
motorist,” said Officer Michel Lewis, LBPD’s day shift traffic
supervisor.
On June 12, the department’s traffic section handed out 121
citations to pedestrians and bicyclists that broke traffic
laws, such as crossing on a red light.
In 2001, the LBPD’s Accident Traffic Detail recorded 338 pedestrian
involved accidents, a decrease from 2000 which had 356 incidents,
according to a LBPD press release.
Accidents involving pedestrians usually result in major injuries
or death, said Lewis.
The operations are usually set up on busy streets around the
city such as those in downtown Long Beach.
In the month of May, declared “Pedestrian Safety Month” by
the city, 276 citations were issued to motorists who failed
to stop for a pedestrian. According to a LBPD press release,
the operation also allowed for the impoundment of 16 vehicles
belonging to unlicensed drivers or drivers with a suspended
or revoked licenses.
Crosswalks pose a more significant danger to pedestrians.
There are no stop signs or traffic lights to force drivers
to stop.
“A crosswalk gives the pedestrian a sense of security. They
think as long as they stay between the lines, they’ll be fine,”
said Lewis. “Pedestrians should use proper judgement and be
careful”, said Lewis.
The department’s Traffic Section states it is committed to
the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
David Rossas, a senior finance major at Cal State Long Beach,
has noticed these operations around the city. “They’re there
for a good reason. I think it’s a good idea once in a while
to teach drivers a lesson. It also shows other people who
are watching, they need to be more careful,” said Rossas.
Enforcement operations that target pedestrians, bicyclist,
and motorists will continue to take place throughout the city
indefinitely. For more information on pedestrian safety operations
please contact the Traffic Section of the LBPD at (562) 570-7209.
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