Medford, Oregon– In a concerted effort to bolster pedestrian safety, the Medford Police Department (MPD), alongside the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police, will be initiating a targeted Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Friday, May 24th. The operation is slated to run from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and will be centered around E. 4th Street and Bartlett Street.
The primary focus of this joint operation will be on enforcing pedestrian right-of-way laws, particularly emphasizing the obligation of drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Violations may result in citations under ORS 811.028 for “Failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk,” or under ORS 811.020 for “Passing a stopped vehicle at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.” Both offenses carry a presumptive fine of $265.00.
The chosen location, although equipped with a marked crosswalk, underscores the universal applicability of pedestrian right-of-way regulations, irrespective of crosswalk markings.
These operations, incorporating decoy tactics at strategic locations, are designed not only to enforce existing laws but also to heighten awareness regarding pedestrian safety among motorists.
Officials stress the importance of drivers to recognize that every intersection, regardless of markings, constitutes a potential crosswalk.
Oregon law mandates that drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks within their lane of travel, extending this requirement to single and multi-lane roadways alike. Furthermore, passing a halted vehicle at an intersection, poised to allow a pedestrian to cross, is strictly prohibited under Oregon law.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution and adherence to pedestrian right-of-way laws to foster a safer commuting environment for all.
Source: MPD
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