Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations Yield Safety Improvements, Sept. 19

News release CBPD.  Coos Bay Police Department, as a part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety in Coos Bay, has conducted 4 pedestrian safety enforcement operations during the months of August and September 2017 that focused on motorists who fail to yield the right-or-way to pedestrians.  Pedestrian safety is a key issue in our community and the Coos Bay Police Department is committed to upholding pedestrian safety laws to protect our citizens. During these four operations the pedestrian enforcement and education program was conducted, which specifically focused on drivers and pedestrians who were violating right-of-way laws.  As a result several citations were issued and an even larger number of citizens were educated.  It is worth noting that during these operations officers gave citations and warnings for other moving violations as well.  The Coos Bay Police Department strongly encourages members of the community to follow basic practices: • Drivers should be on the lookout for and stop for pedestrians. • Drivers should stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and stay stopped until the pedestrian is two traffic lanes away or has reached the sidewalk. • Pedestrians should use a crosswalk when crossing the street and obey pedestrian signals. • Pedestrians should look both ways for traffic before crossing and ensure cars are yielding before crossing. Remember that having the right-of-way does not prevent you from being seriously injured by a driver who is not paying attention.  Traffic safety is everyone’s personal responsibility. • Pedestrians should wear bright colored, reflective clothing and use flashlight when walking during hours of darkness.  Be visible! Coos Bay Police Department is committed to doing our part to keep the community safe.  We urge every member of the community to help by keeping themselves safe and following the basic rules of the road. For more information, please contact the Coos Bay Police Department, Captain Chris Chapanar at 541-269-8911.