South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on Monday, June 23, in Dana Point. The focus will be on driver behaviors that pose risks to cyclists and pedestrians. These include speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way, 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 advises both drivers and pedestrians on measures to reduce accident risks:

For pedestrians:

- Use crosswalks when available.

- Be aware of approaching vehicles.

- Avoid walking into vehicle paths.

- Increase visibility with light colors or reflective materials.

For drivers:

- Do not speed; slow down at intersections.

- Be ready to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.

- Avoid blocking crosswalks while turning.

- Never drive impaired.

For bicyclists:

- Follow traffic laws and use hand signals.

- Travel in the same direction as traffic.

- Use bike lanes when appropriate and yield to pedestrians.

This program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.