El Camino Real Traffic Operation Targets Drivers, Pedestrians

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County drivers, beware. Sheriff's officials are out in full force Friday as they crackdown on "collision causing factors" between motorists and pedestrians on the Peninsula. Specifically, deputies are focusing on known trouble spots along the El Camino Real corridor, especially in the Millbrae area.

"The department has mapped out locations over the past two years where pedestrian involved collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those crashes," sheriff's officials said in a news release. "The department has mapped out locations over the past two years where pedestrian involved collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those crashes."

Officials are looking for typical traffic offenses made by both drivers and pedestrians.

"Special attention will be directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in cross walks or any other dangerous violation," SMC sheriff's officiasl said. "Additionally, enforcement will betaken for observed violations when pedestrians cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way."

Sheriff's officials shared the following safety tips that "can save lives and stop this tragedy witnessed far too often in San Mateo County":

Drivers can:

• Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk where pedestrians are
• likely to be.
• Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to the
• pedestrians too.
• Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path.
• See www.safercar.gov/parents/backo...

Pedestrians can:

• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road, cross at crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs
• and signals.
• Walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk.
• Pay attention to the traffic moving around you. This is not the time to be texting or talking on a
• cell phone.
• Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.
• Look left-right-left before crossing a street.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone