South OC Times

The Sheriff’s Department in Laguna Hills is set to conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation. The initiative aims to educate bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians about traffic laws and their responsibilities on the road.

Scheduled for Thursday, November 14, deputies will monitor violations by all roadway users that could pose risks. These include speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield at crosswalks, and ignoring stop signs or signals. Pedestrians crossing illegally or not yielding to vehicles with the right of way will also be scrutinized. Cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road or disobeying traffic signals will face similar attention.

Statistics indicate a concerning rise in fatalities among bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2016 alone, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians lost their lives on California roads. Pedestrian deaths have increased by nearly 33 percent since 2012, while cyclist fatalities have risen by almost 25 percent over five years.

Pedestrians are advised to use crosswalks or intersections equipped with stop signs or signals when crossing streets. They should remain vigilant for reversing vehicles and avoid darting between parked cars. Making eye contact with drivers and wearing bright clothing during the day or reflective materials at night is recommended.

Drivers are urged to wait for pedestrians to cross safely, avoid distractions like cell phone use, and exercise patience and courtesy on the road. Bicyclists are reminded to wear helmets—mandatory for those under 18—and adhere to traffic laws applicable to slow-moving vehicles.

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

This program receives funding from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.