Behind the Badge
Reducing the number of pedestrian and bicycle-related collisions is the goal of a targeted enforcement effort La Habra police are launching.
Over the next several weeks, police will commit extra patrol officers to areas that have been problematic for crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
La Habra police have seen three fatalities and 108 injury crashes involving bicyclists or pedestrians in the last three years, said La Habra Sgt. Jim Tigner.
“Motorists, bike riders and pedestrians alike all share responsibility in staying safe on the road,” he said. “As our officers cite violators, we also hope it serves as an educational opportunity to make for a safer community.”
Police said they will be on the lookout for violations including drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signals and failing to yield to pedestrians, among others.
Police will also be on the watch for pedestrians crossing the street illegally or failing to yield when the driver has the right-of-way.
Bicyclists are held to many of the same rules of the road as motorists and will be cited if police find they are violating the law.
La Habra police are encouraging everyone to practice basic safety measures to avoid a potentially tragic or life-changing collision, including wearing a helmet and crossing in crosswalks or at corners.
Statewide, more people are utilizing non-motorized means of transportation and police have seen an increase in the number of collisions increase in recent years.
In 2012 in California, 612 pedestrians and 124 bicyclist were killed in traffic collisions.
The California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has earmarked funding for local law enforcement agencies, including La Habra, to pay special attention to this kind of traffic enforcement.
