Pedestrian Safety Operation, May 8

News release from the City of Coos Bay. The Coos Bay Police Department is dedicated to enhancing the safety of its citizens and will be conducting a Pedestrian Safety Operation on May 14, 2015. The operation will be conducted at the intersection of Newmark Ave. and Cammann St. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 7:30 am and 10:00 am. During the operation, warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety zone. The focus of this operation is to raise pedestrian safety awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. WHAT IS THE LAW? – A crosswalk exists at any public street intersection, whether marked with paint or unmarked. Crosswalks also exist between intersections (mid-block) only if they are marked with white painted lines. Under Oregon laws, a driver has specific duties to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked. Here’s what you need to know: When turning at a traffic signal, drivers must: • Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane your vehicle is turning into and at least 6 feet of the next lane. At any other crosswalks – whether marked with paint or unmarked – drivers must: • Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane in which you are traveling (or into which you are turning) and the next lane. • Stop and remain stopped for students as you are directed by a crossing guard. • Stop and remain stopped for a blind pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog until the pedestrian is completely across the roadway. • Also, when drivers approach another vehicle from the rear that is stopped at a marked or unmarked intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver must not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. The Coos Bay Police Department would also like to remind pedestrians that safety is everyone’s responsibility, and remember when at crosswalks, Stop, Look and, Listen.