Watch your step
Police enforce pedestrian, driving laws
1:24 p.m., April 18, 2011--University of Delaware Police and the Newark Police Traffic Division are working together on a joint pedestrian enforcement initiative, designed to increase compliance with laws on pedestrian rights and duties, crosswalk safety and drivers’ rights with regard to pedestrians.
The initiative, which began after spring break when there is traditionally an increased amount of pedestrian traffic in the city, is intended to promote the safety of pedestrians and to have a positive impact on the flow of vehicular traffic around the University and in the downtown business district.
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In the first week of the initiative, officers issued 82 citations.
The enforcement effort is continuing and will take place in areas where a large number of pedestrians cross the roads, including Delaware Avenue, Main Street, College Avenue, Cleveland Avenue and Elkton Road. Violations by both drivers and walkers will continue to be enforced.
Some of the laws being enforced include:
• When pedestrian signals are in place, pedestrians must obey the signal.
• If there is no signal in place, a driver must yield to a pedestrian who is in a crosswalk.
• Pedestrians cannot leave the curb and step into the path of an oncoming car.
• If crossing not within a crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles.
• No vehicle can pass another vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.
• Pedestrians cannot walk upon the roadway if a sidewalk is provided.
Information about traffic laws is available from the Newark Police Department's Traffic Division at 302-366-7110, ext. 105.