Spring Break
Police punish jaywalkers
ELYSE BEASLEY
Issue date: 8/24/07 Section: News
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Since last week, police said they have been issuing citations for jaywalking - or "failure for pedestrian to yield the right of way" - at several intersections on campus.
Most jaywalkers are given a $90 citation. However, jaywalking while under the influence of alcohol is considered a misdemeanor and warrants a $500 citation.
Deputy-Sheriff Tim Smith of the University Police said the intersection of Baldwin Street and Sanford Street, as well as several intersections on Lumpkin Street, have been patrolled of late due to the high traffic volume and history of pedestrian-related accidents.
"What we try to do is base enforcement efforts in areas where pedestrians have been struck before," Smith said.
AVOIDING A TICKET
To avoid a ticket and trip to court, here are some of the rules of (walking) the road:1. Pedestrians must obey all traffic-control devices unless otherwise specified by a police officer.
2. A vehicle must stop for a pedestrian to cross the road if the pedestrian is at least halfway across the road at the time the vehicle approaches.
3. No pedestrian may suddenly cross the road if a vehicle is too close to yield.
4. Pedestrians crossing the street where there is not a crosswalk must yield to vehicles on the road.
5. Crossing the road while intoxicated is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by fine up to $500.
"The University has made a lot of effort to move sidewalks away from the street. But occasionally, you get people walking too closely along the road. We've had pedestrians get hit doing this," he said.
In an effort to avoid future accidents, Smith said citations and warnings have been issued to jaywalkers.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 14
Al
posted 8/24/07 @ 7:25 AM EST
Yeah, that's good. Catch those jaywalkers! We'll worry about the stabbings/muggings later....
Allyson
posted 8/24/07 @ 7:30 AM EST
Yeah, that's good. Get those jaywalkers!! We'll worry about the stabbings/muggings later....
DT
posted 8/24/07 @ 9:00 AM EST
Driving down Lumpkin two days ago I crossed the intersection at Baxter on a green light and nearly hit 3 students jaywalking across the street. They looked at me like I was in the wrong. (Continued…)
C
posted 8/24/07 @ 9:44 AM EST
HANG UP AND WALK! The biggest problem seems to be students wandering out into traffic with a cell phone to their ear and paying no attention to the cars. (Continued…)
Andrea
posted 8/24/07 @ 9:59 AM EST
do they forget that some of the places on east campus road, even where theres a crossing signal there's no paint on the road? the fine is twice the amount of a parking violation
Rob
posted 8/24/07 @ 10:06 AM EST
It's about damn time!
Ped Hunter
posted 8/24/07 @ 11:11 AM EST
Well it is about damn time!!!! Everday that I drive into campus down Lumpkin Street, there is at least one idiot that darts out in front of me, especially at the intersection of Lumpkin and Baxter. (Continued…)
RMS
posted 8/24/07 @ 12:25 PM EST
WTF? My friend got a ticket last week at East Campus for "failing to yield to pedestrians." Who's supposed to yield? People on foot or people in cars? Or maybe just no one's supposed to go. (Continued…)
MC
posted 8/24/07 @ 12:44 PM EST
Apparently, you even have to yield to jaywalkers if they are in crosswalks or if you are coming into the street from a driveway or blind alley. (It's better than running over them. (Continued…)
Pedestrian
posted 8/24/07 @ 3:29 PM EST
I am huge on walking and am more often the pedestrian rather than the driver, but I completely agree with punishing those who jaywalk with no regard to others. (Continued…)
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