South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a traffic safety operation in Lake Forest on Friday, August 12. The operation will focus on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way, and not stopping for signs and signals.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Sergeant K. Ishii 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 has shared recommendations for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists to help reduce the chance of crashes or injuries. Pedestrians are encouraged to use crosswalks when available, pay attention to approaching vehicles, avoid entering a vehicle’s path unexpectedly, wear visible clothing or carry a flashlight especially at night or in low visibility conditions, and exercise extra caution when crossing busy streets.

Drivers are advised not to speed, slow down at intersections, be ready to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks—including unmarked ones—and avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to turn right. The department also reminds drivers never to operate a vehicle while impaired.

Bicyclists are urged to obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (a front white light and rear red reflector), wear helmets, travel in the direction of traffic like other slow-moving vehicles, avoid riding too close to parked cars where doors may open unexpectedly (“the door zone”), use bike lanes when available unless turning left or passing, and always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within crosswalks.

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