Police remind motorists to exercise caution at crosswalks
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Martinsville Police Department is concerned about the number of motorists who are failing to yield or stop at crosswalks, in particular, the crosswalk which is part of the walking trail that crosses Lester Street in Uptown Martinsville.
“Our goal is to educate the motoring public on Virginia laws governing crosswalks. Section 46.2-924 of the Virginia Code specifies that the driver of any vehicle on a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing such highway,” said MPD Captain Tim Porter.
The City of Martinsville has erected signs that flash amber as pedestrians approach and enter the crosswalk. The lights are triggered by motion sensors on the trail. Any motorist approaching the crosswalk should use extra caution when the lights are flashing and be aware of pedestrian and bicycle traffic that is about to, or has entered the crosswalk. The flashing lights are a warning that the motorist must slow down or stop if necessary to permit pedestrians to cross such intersections safely. Any motorist failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk shall be guilty of a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no less than $100 or more than $500.
“Our goal at the Martinsville Police Department is to keep our streets safe for pedestrians and the motoring public. Education is one of the keys to this goal and our first step. The second step will be enforcement. We are asking motorists to do their part in helping us to achieve this goal,” said Captain Porter. |