Ronan Police consider crosswalk safety
Karen Peterson
Crosswalks throughout Ronan are being monitored by Ronan Police officers to ensure children and adults are crossing safely.
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The Ronan Police Department is always striving to work together with the citizens of Ronan to create a safe community in which to visit, live, work and raise a family.
We would like to remind the public of some safety tips when it comes to crosswalks and let the public know that the Ronan Police Department will be conducting crosswalk safety operations periodically.
A crosswalk is a designated point on a road at which some means are employed to assist pedestrians wishing to cross. They are designed to keep pedestrians together where they can be seen by motorists and where they can cross most safely. Marked crosswalks clearly define a path for pedestrians to cross the street. Crosswalks often have signs or traffic signals supporting them and controlling traffic or warning drivers that someone might be crossing.
We encourage parents to talk to children of all ages about this: although a crosswalk exists at every intersection, whether marked or not, it is still your responsibility to make sure all vehicles have yielded before stepping into the crosswalk and crossing the roadway. Whenever approaching a crosswalk, you should remove your earphones, turn off your music and stop texting or talking on the phone, be attentive when crossing. Distractions can lead to accidents. Make eye contact with the driver. Never assume a driver sees you.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, lawfully in or stopped facing a crosswalk. Drivers need to avoid distractions – using a cell phone, a hand-held device, reaching for something on the floor etc. Distractions can lead to accidents.
Drive within the speed limit. Remember the posted speed limit is a maximum limit, not a speed "target." Drivers should proactively check for pedestrians. In the same way you use your mirrors to be aware of traffic, check sidewalks and side streets for pedestrians who may be crossing at an upcoming crosswalk. Never pass a car stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian may be crossing and hidden from your view.
When stopping for a pedestrian, stop far behind the crosswalk so other drivers can see the person crossing.
