Crosswalk Sting - City of Goleta

Goleta - February 25th, 2009

On February 25, 2009 the Goleta Police Department conducted a pedestrian crosswalk sting operation.  Police used a plainclothes deputy to walk across a crosswalk at four different locations in the City of Goleta.  Uniformed motorcycle deputies then watched for motorists who did not yield the right-of-way.  During the two and a half hour operation, eight motorists were cited for the crosswalk violations.

Police hope that by conducting and publicizing these operations on a regular basis, motorists will be more attentive and look for pedestrians. Thankfully, the majority of the motorists observed during this operation properly and safely yielded to the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

“This enforcement effort is consistent with the high emphasis on traffic and pedestrian safety,” said Vytautas Adomaitis, Public Safety Director for the City of Goleta.

Deputies focused on two specific 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 extension of curb lines at all intersections.  The fine for this violation can be up to $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 $400.  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 this morning’s operation is part of their continuing effort to improve traffic safety in Goleta.  Additional crosswalk stings will be conducted without notice in the future.

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department for police services.

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