Sonora, Calif.-As part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Sonora Police Department (SPD) recently conducted a pedestrian safety enforcement operation that focused on motorists and pedestrians that failed to yield the right-of-way or who take unsafe and illegal actions. Pedestrian safety is a key issue in our community, and the CHP is committed to upholding pedestrian safety laws to protect our citizens.

On September1 8, 2017, a pedestrian enforcement operation was conducted on Washington Street at Church Street, Greenley Road at Guzzi Lane in Sonora, and Main Street at Willow Street in Jamestown, focusing on drivers and pedestrians who were violating right-of-way laws. As a result of this effort, 43 citations were issued, 4 warnings were issued, 2 vehicles were impounded, 1 person was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant, and an untold number of citizens were educated on the importance of pedestrian safety.

The CHP strongly encourages members of the community to follow 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’s 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!

The CHP is committed to doing our part to keep the community safe. We urge every member of the community to be safe and follow the rules of the road. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility. For additional information, please contact the Sonora Area CHP’s Public Information Officer Faustino Pulido at (209) 984-3944.

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

# # #