South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department will conduct a traffic safety operation in Laguna Woods on Thursday, June 5. The focus will be on dangerous driver behaviors that threaten the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. These violations include speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, and not stopping for signs and signals.

Sergeant K. Ishii emphasized the importance of road safety for all users: “We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” he said. “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 department provides guidance for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to minimize crash risks:

Pedestrians are advised to use crosswalks when available, stay visible with light colors or reflective materials, and avoid sudden movements into vehicle paths.

Drivers should reduce speed at intersections, prepare to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, avoid blocking crosswalks while turning right, and never drive impaired.

Bicyclists are reminded to obey traffic laws, use hand signals, travel in the direction of traffic, avoid riding too close to parked cars, use bike lanes when appropriate unless making specific maneuvers like left turns or passing other vehicles. They must also yield right-of-way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.