South OC Times

Mission Viejo, CA. (August 28, 2024) – The Sheriff’s Department will participate in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Friday, August 30, deputies will monitor violations by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that endanger roadway users. These violations include speeding drivers, illegal turns, failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and ignoring stop signs and signals.

Deputies will also address pedestrians crossing streets illegally or failing to yield to drivers with the right of way. Bicyclists will be stopped for riding on the wrong side of the road or not complying with stop signs and signals.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities have increased nearly 33 percent since 2012, while bicyclist deaths have risen nearly 25 percent over the past five years.

Pedestrians should use crosswalks or intersections with stop signs or signals when crossing streets. They should look for cars backing up, avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers, and wear bright clothing during the day or reflective materials at night.

Drivers are advised to wait for pedestrians to cross streets fully, avoid distractions such as cell phones, and remain courteous and patient. Bicyclists are reminded to always wear helmets; helmets are legally required for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic and adhere to the same requirements as slow-moving vehicles.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign “Go Safely, California.” More information can be found at gosafelyca.org.

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