16 Cited In Rohnert Park Pedestrian Safety Enforcement

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Sixteen citations were handed out by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety's Traffic Enforcement Unit during a recent pedestrian safety enforcement operation.

During the crackdown held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, police spoke with 19 drivers and pedestrians suspected of violating various traffic laws, Rohnert Park DPS Lt. Jeff Justice said in a news release.

According to the lieutenant, 14 drivers were given tickets for suspected violations including: failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk; driving while holding and operating a handheld cellphone; driving while using a cellphone; driving in a designated two-way left turn lane for more than 200 feet; running a red light; and not wearing a seat belt.

Two pedestrians were each cited for not using a crosswalk, Justice said.

"Our hope is that we educate the public on how to safely get around, whether it is by walking or driving," Justice said. "Pedestrians should not be afraid of getting hit by a car, and drivers should not be fearful of hitting someone walking. Pedestrian safety is a two-way street."

As the number of crashes involving pedestrians continues to rise at an alarming rate, the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists remain top priorities for the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Justice said.

Rohnert Park DPS offered the following tips when biking, driving or walking:

Pedestrians

• Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.
• Look for cars backing up. Avoid going between parked cars.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.

Drivers

• Wait for pedestrians to cross the street. Be courteous and patient.
• Stay off the phone.
• Follow the speed limit
• Look for pedestrians when backing up or turning.

Bicyclists

• Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Everyone is reminded to practice physical-distancing measures, when feasible, by staying at least 6 feet away from others.

Funding for the pedestrian safety enforcement operation was in provided in part by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.