I previously wrote about the City of Seattle’s decision to operate “crosswalk sting” investigations during 2009. Previous media reports were that the City Council was concerned about an increase in car-pedestrian accidents.
A spokesperson from the Seattle Police Department (SPD) states that the purpose of the sting was to catch motorists who were breaking the law by not stopping or yielding to pedestrians, and also educate the public in the process.
Just recently KIRO 7 News traffic anchor Jenni Hogan reported on SPD’s sting operation by actually observing and videotaping SPD performing their investigation. The video is very instructive because it shows many drivers who basically ignore pedestrians who have entered a crosswalk or upon the road.
The pedestrian is actually a SPD decoy who cautiously steps out in the crosswalk well in advance of an oncoming motorist. Washington’s statute, RCW 46.61.235, requires the motorist to stop and let the pedestrian cross the street. But KIRO’s report clearly shows many drivers who do not stop, while a nearby SPD motorcycle cop speeds after the motorist to issue the driver a ticket.
Today I was contacted by another attorney in the state of Kentucky, Mike Schafer, who wrote about Seattle’s “crosswalk sting” operation. Mr. Schafer also handles injury cases and represents pedestrians who have been hit by cars. Mr. Schafer applauds Seattle’s investigation and also urges his home state of Kentucky to perform a similar ”sting” operation.
I also agree with Mr. Schafer when he writes that Seattle’s sting operation is a good idea to help reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities, while at the same time will help educate motorists about their duty to stop and yield to persons who are about to cross the street.
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