By K.P. Sander

(Photo Courtesy: google images)

Eastvale – You’ve probably seen it while driving around town.  Youth on bicycles, skateboards, or even walking, that seem to think they own the road.  And not to compare them to the old bumper-sticker, “As a matter of fact, I do own the whole [darn] road,” but they don’t actually own it, or even have the right-of-way 100 percent of the time.

Either unschooled in the dangers of traffic safety, or endowed with an unrealistic sense of bravado, these particular pedestrians are causing unsafe traffic conditions by traveling in the roadways, crossing outside of crosswalks, and sometimes even slowing down as they cross in front of you – making eye contact in a double-dog-dare challenge for you to make a move.

In one particular instance, skateboarders ambling in the road directly in front of a vehicle moving slowly with their shenanigans, finally crossed left in the middle of the street just as an impatient driver from behind made an angry move to pass left around the barricade.  Luckily the children made it across, but the results could have been disastrous, if not fatal.

We should always yield to pedestrians, right?  Absolutely – whenever possible – but sometimes they create a dangerous situations and can be cited for behaving in an unlawful manner.  In fact, according to California Vehicle Code 21950, right-of-way does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of using due care of his or her safety.  “No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.  No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.”  Get caught, and your wallet will be $197 lighter.

For 2013, the U.S. Department of Transportation stated that 4,253 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 76,000 were injured in traffic accidents.  On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every 7 minutes.  UC Berkeley researchers have found that 30% of all pedestrian fatalities are related to improper street crossing.  These statistics are just too many tragic reminders that safety for all must be enhanced; but how?

According to Lt. Joseph Pemberton, Assistance Chief of Police for Eastvale (Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Jurupa Valley Station), a lot of the issues regarding traffic safety for youth happen around the schools, with children crossing the road with oncoming traffic, or outside designated crosswalks.

“We do occasionally cite children who are presenting themselves as traffic hazards and not showing due regard for the right-of-way or even their own personal safety,” said Pemberton.

The Eastvale Police Department also frequently cites skateboarders who impede the roadway or fail to yield to a right-of-way.  If your child brings home a citation for $197, that’s a lot of allowance that’s not going to be paid out (a lot of dishes done; a lot of lawns mowed, etc.).

Pemberton said that the Eastvale Police Department frequently conducts traffic safety programs around the schools in an effort to reduce congestion and create a safer environment for everyone, but the education for children needs to be enforced in the home as well.  In an incident of vehicle vs. pedestrian, the vehicle is always going to win for obvious reasons. Children need to realize that right-of-way and respect for rules and safety go hand-in-hand.

Motorists don’t get off scot-free either.  Pemberton quotes CVC 22352(b)(2) about driving 25 mph in schools zones when children are active.  Exceed the posted speed and you’ll pay nearly $500. Fail to yield to a pedestrian – at any time – or disobey official traffic control signs, and $238 will be fined.  When compared to a life that might be lost, it’s a bargain.  It pays to slow down and pay attention.

Remember:  Be Safe, Be Seen, and Be Smart.  Pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and motorists all must take steps to ensure safety by following traffic signs, signals and rules.  Don’t become a statistic.  Let courtesy and safety guide your travels.