Park Slope’s 78th Precinct conducted a sting operation last week to catch law-breaking drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians.
Give the right of way — or else.
Police in Park Slope handed out a whopping 17 summonses during a two-day spree last week in an effort to crack down on lead-footed drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians.
On Thursday and Friday, 78th Precinct police officers slapped motorists with the rarely-enforced charge, according to police.
The precinct had undercover cops pose as pedestrians and cross the street at intersections in Park Slope to nab motorists who don’t stop for people crossing the street who have the right of way.
RELATED: DE BLASIO AIMS FOR ZERO PEDESTIRAN DEATHS IN TRAFFIC
Failure to yield is one of the leading causes of pedestrian injuries in New York City, according to a recent study by NYU Langone Medical Center.
Traffic safety activists and residents praised the crackdown, adding that they hope enforcement spreads throughout the rest of the borough and city.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said Eric McClure, 50, chairman of the Park Slope Street Safety Partnership, which formed after 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein was hit and killed by a van on Prospect Park West on Oct. 8. “It’s the kind of thing that can really change driver’s behavior and make the streets safer.”
The crackdown is the result of 78th Precinct Deputy Inspector Michael Ameri’s “numerous discussions with the community to address pedestrian fatalities,” said NYPD spokeswoman Deputy Chief Kim Royster.
RELATED: 78TH PRECINCT TOP COP SHOVELS SNOW FROM BIKE LANE
Residents said they feel safer knowing police are paying attention to the safety of pedestrians.
“On a daily basis I’ve had cars fail to yield to me and my kids when we’re in the crosswalk and crossing with the light,” said Julie Kay, 45, of Park Slope, who added that she won’t let her 10-year-old daughter walk to school by herself for fear of dangerous drivers.
Park Slope resident S.J. Avery, 67, said that she commends Ameri for taking action.
“He deserves enormous thanks and respect for acting on community concerns expressed at precinct community council meetings,” she said.
RELATED: GUERRILLA SPEED LIMIT SIGNS PUT UP IN PARK SLOPE REMOVED
The precinct plans to conduct similar sting operations in the neighborhood.
The crackdown comes as the city gears up to boost traffic safety by handing out more tickets to reckless drivers, lowering speed limits and redesigning streets.
Earlier this month, Mayor de Blasio launched his “Vision Zero” plan, which aims to reduce traffic deaths to zero.
The road traffic safety initiative is modeled after a plan in Sweden created in 1997.
nmusumeci@nydailynews.com
Yahoo Local News – New York Daily News
http://ift.tt/1fbn4l5
via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
No comments:
Post a Comment