Half dozen motorists cited during lunchtime hour
updated: Nov 20, 2009, 11:50 AM

Source: SBSD

Goleta-The Goleta Police Department issued six citations during a pedestrian crosswalk enforcement operation on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Police used civilian employees to walk across marked crosswalks at two different locations in the City of Goleta. Uniformed motorcycle deputies then watched for motorists who did not yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The operation was conducted between Noon and 1:00 PM due to the lunchtime increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic within the City.

Police hope that by conducting and publicizing these operations on a regular basis, motorists will be more attentive and look for pedestrians. Thankfully, the majority of the motorists observed during this operation properly and safely yielded to the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

"This enforcement effort is consistent with the high emphasis on traffic and pedestrian safety" said Vytautas Adomaitis, Public Safety Director for the City of Goleta.

Deputies focused on two specific vehicle code infractions. The first requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Unmarked crosswalks are the prolongations of curb lines at all intersections. The fine for this violation can be up to $200.

The second law prohibits vehicles from passing a vehicle which has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street. This offense is especially dangerous because pedestrians are too often lulled into a false sense of security when one vehicle stops for them. The fine for this violation is approximately $450.

Police say that this afternoon's operation is part of their continuing effort to improve traffic safety in Goleta. Additional crosswalk stings will be conducted without notice in the future.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department for police services.

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Police Department issued citations during pedestrian crosswalk enforcement operation Thursday