South OC Times

San Clemente, Ca. (March 14, 2024) - The Sheriff's Department in San Clemente is gearing up for a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation this weekend to promote awareness and adherence to traffic laws among all road users.

According to the Sheriff's Department, the operation on Saturday, March 16, aims to address violations that jeopardize the safety of roadway users. This includes infractions by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. As stated by officials, the initiative is crucial as statistics reveal a concerning increase in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities in recent years.

In 2016 alone, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians lost their lives on California roads. The rise in pedestrian fatalities by nearly 33 percent since 2012 and a 25 percent increase in bicyclist deaths over the past five years underscore the importance of such safety measures.

To enhance safety, pedestrians are advised to use designated crosswalks or intersections when crossing streets, especially those equipped with stop signs or signals. Moreover, pedestrians are encouraged to remain vigilant, make eye contact with drivers, wear bright clothing during the day, and utilize reflective gear or flashlights at night.

Drivers are reminded to yield to pedestrians, refrain from distractions like cellphone use, and exercise patience and courtesy on the roads. Additionally, all bicyclists must adhere to traffic laws, wear helmets as mandated by law for individuals under 18, and ride in the same direction as traffic.

The Sheriff's Department also extends support to the "Go Safely, California" public awareness campaign by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). For further information on safe practices, individuals are encouraged to visit gosafelyca.org.

Funding for this safety program is made possible through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.