Salem police to begin undercover pedestrian stings

Whitney Woodworth | Statesman Journal

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The next pedestrian you see crossing a Salem street might be an undercover police officer — and drivers failing to stop for them could end up paying for it.

The Salem Police Department will begin conducting pedestrian campaigns Friday in crosswalks across the city.

"As the weather becomes warmer and days become longer, we typically see more pedestrians out and about at various times of the day and night, and pedestrian safety issues become even more important," said Salem police Lt. Treven Upkes.

During the campaign, plainclothes officers will cross streets at crosswalk locations throughout the city, including spots in northeast Salem and near downtown.

Those failing to yield to the pedestrians could be given a warning or citation.

Video cameras will be used to record violations. Those who are contacted by police will be able to view the violation on video.

Salem police Sgt. Jon Hardy said by focusing on both enforcement and education, the campaigns have the potential to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths and make drivers more aware of those walking, jogging and running across Salem roads.

Police set up operations at problem areas and new locations across the city. They post the locations 24 hours beforehand.

"It's not just about issuing citations," Hardy said. "It's about looking at the overall picture."

If certain areas continue to be dangerous, police look at other factors like environmental design or making crosswalks more visible.

In June 2017, two similar pedestrian safety campaigns resulted in 60 vehicles being stopped. Nine citations were issued for failing to stop for a pedestrian, and 49 warnings were issued.

Hardy said the number of people who don't have a complete understanding of pedestrian traffic laws is always surprising.

Oregon law requires all drivers to stop prior to entering a crosswalk for pedestrians crossing the street in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Drivers must stop if a pedestrian is either in the lane of travel or in a lane adjacent to them.

Marked crosswalks may be located at or between intersections and are recognized by solid or dashed white lines, but Oregon Law also states that every intersection should be considered to have a crosswalk, whether marked or not.

A vehicle may not legally pass another vehicle that is stopped at a marked or unmarked crosswalk for a pedestrian. Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and for passing a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk carry a fine of up to $260.

For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth

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