Crosswalk Safety Concern in Coos Bay, Sept. 4

News release from the City of Coos Bay. Recently the Coos Bay Police Department has fielded several reports from concerned citizens regarding near misses and/or drivers failing to adhere to traffic laws concerning citizens at crosswalks and intersections. With this being the case, the Coos Bay Police Department would like to remind drivers to follow crosswalk laws and to use caution when nearing a crosswalk. We’ve provided the following safety tips to help: CROSSWALK SAFETY TIPS: • Remember, under Oregon law, there is a crosswalk at every intersection. • Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. A stopped car may be a clue that a pedestrian is crossing. When stopping for a crosswalk on a multi-lane road, you should stop about 30 feet before the crosswalk, so you don’t block visibility to a driver in a second lane. • When stopping at an intersection, do not block the crosswalk. This forces pedestrians to go around your vehicle and puts them in a dangerous situation. Watch for pedestrians, especially children, when exiting driveways or when backing out of parking spaces in parking lots. • Pedestrians move at different speeds. Be alert for children, who may suddenly dart into the street. Be patient with older adults who take extra time to cross the street. • Be alert for people or animals during low-light conditions, especially in areas where they are likely to cross the road, or you might not see them until it is too late to stop.