Temecula Traffic Enforcement Leads To 17 Citations, 11 Warnings

TEMECULA, CA—As part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety, the California Highway Patrol took part in a safety enforcement operation Wednesday in the unincorporated area of southwest Riverside County.

Troopers focused on drivers and pedestrians who were violating right-of-way laws on Winchester and Benton Roads.

As a result of the operation, during a three-hour period, 17 citations were handed out, 11 warnings were issued, and a number of citizens were educated on the importance of pedestrian safety, troopers said.

The CHP strongly encourages members of the community to follow these basic safe practices:
• Drivers should be on the lookout for and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Drivers should slow down when in an area where pedestrians are likely to be.
• Never pass a car stopped for pedestrians. It is against the law and highly dangerous for
those crossing the street.
• Pedestrians should cross at the corner, at crosswalks, or intersections wherever possible.
This is where drivers expect to see pedestrians.
• Pedestrians should look both ways for traffic before crossing, make eye contact with the
driver, and make certain cars are yielding before crossing. Having the right-of-way does not
prevent you from being seriously injured by a driver who is not paying attention. Remember,
pedestrians don’t have armor!
• Pedestrians should wear bright colored, reflective clothing and use a flashlight when
walking during hours of darkness - Be visible!

Funding for the enforcement program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.