PRESS RELEASE:
From June 28 to July 2, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department will increase their enforcement of crosswalk violations Downtown to raise awareness for pedestrians and motorists.
“The Police Department has seen an increase in pedestrian traffic in the Downtown area due to events that occur at the Sprint Center, the Power and Light District and Bartle Hall, and because of this increase, we feel that it is important to remind the members of our community that extra caution should be used when pedestrian traffic is present,” Sergeant Dave Doll said.
The police will be cracking down on those who violate crosswalk laws with extra officers around Downtown – many of them in plain clothes – looking for and ticketing violators. They will target both walkers and drivers breaking the law.
This enforcement activity was conducted last November prior to the National Catholic Youth Conference, and police and conference attendees considered it a great success.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
• Be predictable. Stay off highways and restricted zones.
• Use sidewalks where available. Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so.
• Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
• Make it easy for drivers to see you. Dress in light colors and wear reflective material.
• Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely.
• Use extra caution when crossing multi-lane, higher-speed streets.
Safety Tips for Drivers
• Remember that you can encounter a pedestrian anywhere.
• When entering a crosswalk area, slow down and be prepared to stop.
• Do not pass or overtake other vehicles stopping for pedestrians.
• Be especially attentive around schools and neighborhoods where children are active.
