Police punish jaywalkers
An increasing number of University students are learning pedestrians do not always have the right-of-way when crossing the streets – with up to a $90 citation.
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.
