South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department will conduct a traffic safety operation in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, May 4. The focus will be on dangerous driving behaviors that endanger bicyclists and pedestrians. These behaviors include speeding, making illegal turns, and failing to yield to those walking or biking on the roads.

Sergeant K. Ishii emphasized the need for mutual respect on the roads. "We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car," Ishii stated. "Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another."

The Sheriff's Department provided guidelines for both pedestrians and drivers to reduce the risk of crashes. Pedestrians are advised to use crosswalks, stay visible, and exercise caution near vehicles. Drivers are urged to obey speed limits, watch for pedestrians at crosswalks, and avoid driving impaired.

Specific advice for bicyclists includes adhering to traffic laws, using bike lanes when available, and yielding to pedestrians. Bicyclists are reminded to travel in the same direction as traffic and to exercise caution near parked cars.

Funding for this traffic safety initiative comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.