Here's Why It's a Bad Idea to Blow Through a Crosswalk in DC [VIDEO]

A recent video posted on Twitter shows why failing to yield to pedestrians in the District is a really bad idea.

In addition to being a huge safety risk -- hence it being against the law -- plainclothes officers are out looking for violators, according to a video posted by WTOP's Dick Uliano.

In the video, D.C. Police Sgt. Terry Thorne -- dressed in a striped shirt and jeans -- attempts to cross the street in a designated crosswalk, only for a black car to blow past him, prompting Thorne to radio for another officer to make a stop.

The video takes place at a crosswalk on 14th Street in Northwest near the busy U Street corridor.

The Code of the District of Columbia states that drivers must stop to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway within any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, when that pedestrian is in the lane or approaching the lane.

A minimum punishment if found guilty is a fine of $100, but depending on the severity of the offense, it can result in many thousands of dollars in fines and even imprisonment.

Image credit: Wikimedia