Buellton Police Sting Crosswalk Violators

Buellton - January 14th, 2009

On January 7, 2008 the Buellton Police Department conducted another pedestrian crosswalk sting operation.  Police used a plainclothes deputy to walk across a crosswalk of State Highway 246.  Uniform deputies then watched for motorists who did not yield the right-of-way to the deputy in the crosswalk.  During the 2½ hour operation, 11 motorists were cited for the crosswalk violation.

“Pedestrian safety is a big concern for us in Buellton,” said Police Chief Julie McCammon.  “Highway 246 is a very busy roadway and it divides the city in half.  If you want to walk from one half of the city to the other, you have to cross this major roadway, and motorists don’t always stop for you.”

Police hope that by conducting and publicizing these operations on a regular basis, motorists will be more vigilant for pedestrians. McCammon commented, “It’s apparent from the number of violations that a lot of drivers are not watching for pedestrians.  It only takes one to cause a tragedy.”

Deputies issued citations for two vehicle code infractions.  The first requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.  Unmarked crosswalks are the prolongations of curb lines at all intersections.  The fine for this violation can be $175.

The second law prohibits vehicles from passing a vehicle which has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross the street.  This offense is especially dangerous because pedestrians are too often lulled into a false sense of security when one vehicle stops for them.  The fine for this violation is approximately $406.  The court, however, may modify the actual fine imposed depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the violator’s history.

Police say that last week’s operation was part of their continuing effort to improve traffic safety in the City of Buellton.  Additional crosswalk stings will be conducted throughout 2009 and will occur without notice.

The City of Buellton contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department for law enforcement services.  If you have further questions regarding this matter you can contact Lt. Julie McCammon at the Sheriff’s Lompoc Station at (805) 686-8150

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