Local law enforcement agencies announced today that they are running a campaign to increase the number of drivers who yield at crosswalks and decrease the number of people who jaywalk during the next few months.
The Gainesville Police Department, the University Police Department and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office are participating.
Police hope to raise awareness of the high number of traffic crashes involving pedestrians. Gainesville averages 140 such crashes annually, or three a week, according to a GPD press release.
“It is important to recognize that traffic safety is a responsibility shared by all road users and that pedestrians are at fault when they jaywalk or cross during the 'don’t walk' phase at signalized intersections," the release said.
GPD spokeswoman Cpl. Tscharna Senn said both drivers and pedestrians can expect written warnings about such violations during the next few months.
