Newport Police Issue 87 Tickets During Pedestrian Safety Campaign

NEWPORT, RI — Over the past two months, Newport police have stepped up enforcement crosswalks on Memorial Boulevard, stopping 87 vehicles and issuing tickets. The 60-day campaign aimed to educate drivers about the importance of stopping for pedestrians, finded by federal, state and grant funds.

Heading into the new school year, the campaign will continue, focusing on crosswalk violations, speeding, stopping for school buses, distracted driving and bicycle violations.

Newport Police encouraged all drivers to stay safe and follow best practices, including the following safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
8. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.

Walkers are encouraged to use the "Newport Waves" techniques when following the street: stop, look and wave. Never assume that a driver can see you. Whenever possible, walk on sidewalks. If no sidewalks is available, always walk facing towards traffic, as far to the side as possible.

As for bicyclists, always ride in a straight line, single file, with the flow of traffic. Obey all traffic signs as signals as you would if driving. Look both ways before turning or crossing streets, and use hand signals to indicate where you're headed. Most importantly, stay alert and always wear a properly fitting helmet.