FRENCH VALLEY (CNS) – California Highway Patrol officers tomorrow will be cracking down on motorists and pedestrians in French Valley who ignore right-of-way rules or behave in other ways that cause risks to others as part of a “pedestrian safety enforcement” campaign.
CHP officers will be positioned in the area of Murrieta Hot Springs and Winchester roads, as well as Benton and Winchester roads, for the operation, though the exact hours were not specified.
“The CHP is conducting this public awareness and enforcement program to educate and encourage members of the community to develop and maintain safe practices while driving, walking and bicycling throughout southwest Riverside County,” Officer Mike Lassig of the agency’s Temecula office said.
He said the focus will be on “heavily traveled crosswalks” where fatalities and injuries involving pedestrians have occurred in the past. The most recent fatality was in December, according to Lassig.
Officers dressed in plain clothes will be crossing intersections while monitored by patrol units, he said.
People walking, cycling or jogging in ways that risk safety will also be targeted in the operation. However, the main focus will be on motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians.
“Drivers and pedestrians stopped during this operation may be issued warnings or citations,” Lassig said.
A federal grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety is funding the operation.
