Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation and DUI Saturation Patrols Planned for Friday, Dec. 2

PASADENA, Calif.-Pasadena Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation Friday, Dec. 2, focused on the most dangerous driving behaviors that put the safety of bikers and pedestrians at risk. These driving violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right-of-way to bicyclists or pedestrians, and failing to stop for signs and signals.

Following the bicycle and pedestrian safety operation, a DUI saturation patrol will occur in the evening hours of Friday, Dec. 2, to search for drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI).

"We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car," Lt. Anthony Russo said. "Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without vehicle protections. We should all be looking out for one another to ensure we all arrive at our destination safely."

Pasadena Police Department offers steps drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks when available.
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you: wear light colors/reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk and at night.
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.
• If there's a bike lane, use it-unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

Pasadena Police Department also reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels related to driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

"Impaired driving is preventable," said Lt. Russo. "It's a choice. If you have been drinking or consuming drugs that impair, make the right decision by finding a sober driver or alternative transportation."

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for these programs is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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