49 Bel Air Drivers Warned for Violating Pedestrian Laws: Sheriff

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By Maryland law, drivers are required to stop for pedestrians legally using a crosswalk.

In Bel Air, dozens of drivers are unaware or are not adhering to the law, according to a recent patrol by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

Members of the Harford County Traffic Task Force issued 49 warnings and five citations Friday while on the lookout for pedestrian and crosswalk violations, the sheriff’s office reported.

Some statistics from six-hour patrol, courtesy of the sheriff’s office:

• 47 drivers failed to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk
• 7 pedestrians illegally crossed the road
• 49 warnings were issued
• 5 citations were given

“Drivers remember, it is Maryland law: You must stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

“Pedestrians meanwhile, should utilize crosswalks and cross with the signal,” the statement said.

If the light is green and a person is crossing in the crosswalk, the sheriff’s office said: “Drivers should yield to people who are legally walking in the crosswalk. Pedestrians must follow the walk/don’t walk signals, as well as use clearly marked crosswalks.”

The goal of the patrol was education, according to the sheriff’s office.

Are you concerned about pedestrian safety in Bel Air? Tell us in the comments!

Photo Credit: Harford County Sheriff’s Office.